Afterwards suspending mutation processes of all properties (change of ownership) Allegedly transferred from farmers and private landowners to the Waqf BoardThe Karnataka government has warned of strict action against officials who continue such activities or issue eviction notices to farmers.

Revenue Department Principal Secretary Rajender Kumar Kataria, in a letter, reminded all district and deputy commissioners in districts where complaints have arisen regarding arbitrary transfer of property ownership in favor of the Karnataka Waqf Board. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had held meetings in these areas in response to the complaints.

It was stated in the letter that at the meeting, it was decided to withdraw all instructions previously given by any government department or authority regarding the change of mutation records, and that all notifications made in the past were also cancelled. The Revenue Administration emphasized that no action should be taken against the farmers cultivating the land in question.

“The officials who submitted reminder-2 despite the Prime Minister’s instruction will face appropriate disciplinary action,” Kataria said in his letter. He said that he was instructed to strictly implement the Prime Minister’s directives.

The Prime Minister’s directive was made by Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Over 500 petitions from farmers in northern districts of KarnatakaHe claimed that his lands were marked as foundation property.

Pal visited Hubballi, Vijayapura and Belagavi districts along with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who is also a KKP member.

Last week, Karnataka BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka alleged that hasty attempts were being made to register lands claimed by the Wakf Board in anticipation of amendments to the Wakf Act. He wrote a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah and JPC chairman, urging them to direct the state to immediately stop all such registrations until the JPC proceedings are concluded.

The alleged mutation of farmers’ land has sparked a major political debate in Karnataka, where by-polls for three key assembly segments will be held on November 13.