Ranchi, April 17 : Jharkhand’s Minority Welfare Minister Hafizul Hasan on Wednesday said the Wakf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in the state, alleging that the legislation was passed by the central government to harass Muslims.
Hasan made the remarks while speaking at a one-day Haj training camp organised by the Jharkhand State Haj Committee at Haj House in Kadru, Ranchi. A total of 248 pilgrims from Ranchi, Khunti, and Simdega participated in the session.
“The Waqf Amendment Act will not be implemented in Jharkhand,” Hasan said. “The BJP brought this bill and got it passed in Parliament to harass Muslims.”
The Wakf Amendment Bill, recently passed in Parliament and approved by the President, has sparked protests across various parts of the country. Hasan’s statement comes amid growing resistance from minority groups and political leaders in opposition-ruled states.
The training camp was aimed at preparing pilgrims for a safe and organised Haj journey. State Health Minister and Haj Committee Chairman Dr. Irfan Ansari, who was also present, assured full support to pilgrims.
“Our government will provide every facility to Haj pilgrims and be with them from Jharkhand to Mecca-Medina,” Ansari said, while urging participants to pray for peace, harmony, and brotherhood.
This year, 1,301 people from Jharkhand will embark on the pilgrimage. However, they will not fly directly from Ranchi and will instead travel to Jeddah via Kolkata. The cost per pilgrim is estimated at ₹3.58 lakh, with additional fees required for the ritual sacrifice.
Nine state-appointed Haj Inspectors, including one woman, will accompany the group to assist with logistics and ensure safety.
Aftab Ahmed, Executive Officer of the Haj Committee, noted a significant decline in the number of pilgrims this year.
“This year there has been a significant decline in the number of Haj pilgrims,” he said.
The Haj Committee used the session to educate pilgrims on procedures, health precautions, and travel regulations related to the pilgrimage
