India: Controversy in Andhra Pradesh over use of historic Muslim Waqf lands for commercial projects

India: Controversy in Andhra Pradesh over use of historic Muslim Waqf lands for commercial projects
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A government plan in India’s Andhra Pradesh state to repurpose over 300 acres of Islamic Waqf land for commercial use has sparked strong backlash from the Muslim community. The lands, tied to historic mosques and religious institutions in Guntur—including 233 acres in Kota Malayapalem and 78 in Chinna Kakani—are reportedly being allocated for IT infrastructure development.

Community leaders have condemned the move as a violation of Islamic endowment laws and an infringement on religious heritage. In formal petitions, they demanded the government reverse its decision, emphasizing that waqf property is legally and religiously designated for charitable and religious purposes, not commercial exploitation.

Religious figures warned the action could set a dangerous precedent, erasing Islamic landmarks under the guise of modernization. Calls for judicial intervention are mounting amid growing concerns about systematic pressure on Muslim institutions across several Indian states.