Srinagar, Apr 10 (Reporter) The People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday voiced serious concern over the “silence” of the Jammu and Kashmir government on the Waqf Act, calling it a critical issue that demands urgent legislative attention. A meeting was convened by the party in Srinagar to deliberate on the evolving situation surrounding the Waqf. The meeting was chaired by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and attended by several senior party leaders. Sources said Mufti termed the failure to pass a resolution on the Waqf Act a “political lapse,” with party leaders emphasizing the need for clear legislation that would safeguard Waqf properties from “mismanagement or political interference.” Addressing reporters after the meeting, PDP chief spokesperson Mehboob Baig said the meeting had been called to discuss the overall political atmosphere in the Union Territory, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding the Waqf Act. Baig sharply criticized the ruling National Conference government, accusing it of “stifling” debate in the Assembly by citing the matter as “sub-judice” “The Waqf Bill is being labelled as sub-judice. But when Article 370 was sub-judice, the Prime Minister and Home Minister won elections over it,” he said. “If you don’t want to talk, then don’t — but for God’s sake, don’t take refuge behind this excuse.” Drawing comparisons with other states, Baig pointed out that Tamil Nadu, despite having only a 6 percent Muslim population, had unanimously passed a resolution against the bill. “Even Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal said she would not implement it. And here we are — in a Muslim-majority state — refusing to even talk about it,” he said. The PDP spokesperson also expressed disappointment in the conduct of the Assembly Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, stating that he had initially welcomed his appointment, hoping his experience would promote fair and open debate. Commenting on the ongoing legal challenge to the Waqf Bill in the Supreme Court, Baig welcomed the move and said he hoped for a strong judicial response. “At least someone went to court. I salute them. And I hope the Supreme Court acts, just like it did yesterday when it told Tamil Nadu’s Governor to stay within his limits and declared the pending bills as passed,” he added...////...