Srinagar, Oct. 14 -- The proposal of the J&K Waqf Board to decide common Friday sermons in mosques and shrines has triggered a backlash from political and religious circles in the Union Territory. Chief minister Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti termed it an attempt by the BJP to interfere in the religious affairs of Muslims. Amid the criticism, the Waqf later clarified that no order had been issued so far.

The Waqf Board, led by its chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi, who is also a senior BJP leader, had on Saturday reportedly announced the constitution of a core committee of religious scholars to finalise "common themes" for Friday sermons at mosques, shrines, and other religious institutions under its administration. The proposed...