Non-Muslims Appointed to Manipur’s Waqf Board

The Manipur Waqf Board, the statutory authority that administers Muslim endowments in the state, has recently added members who are not Muslims. The change was formalised during the board’s latest meeting, signalling an effort to broaden representation beyond the Muslim community.
Officials said the inclusion of non‑Muslim members is intended to bring diverse viewpoints to the management of waqf properties and to enhance transparency. While the exact number of non‑Muslim members has not been disclosed, the board now comprises a mix of religious backgrounds.
Community reactions have been mixed, with some groups welcoming the move as a step toward inclusive governance, while others await further clarification on the roles of the new members. The development has been highlighted by local media as a significant shift in the state’s religious‑administrative landscape.
The board’s decision reflects a broader trend of seeking wider stakeholder participation in bodies that manage religious assets, aiming to balance traditional custodianship with contemporary governance practices.
Further details are expected to emerge as the board implements its revised composition in upcoming deliberations.