In Gadag, farmers, devotees, and residents of Naregal town are voicing their concerns after discovering that several significant properties, including the 500-year-old Annadaneshwar Mutt’s dining hall, surrounding farmland, and a historic graveyard, have been classified as Waqf properties. This revelation has led to widespread confusion and anxiety among those who rely on these lands for their livelihoods.

Waqf Properties Affecting Local Farmers

The farmland in question includes nearly 50 acres near Naregal, as well as revenue department land near Hunasikatti village, which was previously a graveyard. Farmers who depend on these lands for cultivation have been particularly alarmed, as they face challenges in accessing their property and fear losing their right to use it for farming. The issue was first raised when residents discovered a board outside the graveyard in 2019 stating that it was "Chikkanaragund Malan Waqf property," leading to a prohibition on entry.

In addition to the farmland, the Annadan Vijay Vidya Prasarak Committee's property, historically tied to the Annadaneshwar Mutt, is now under the control of the Rahman Shah Vali Dargah and listed as Waqf land in the records. This has caused significant unrest among the local community, especially devotees of the Mutt, who are unhappy to learn that the sacred institution’s dining hall is now listed as Waqf land.

A Historic Mutt’s Property in Question

The Annadaneshwar Mutt, a revered religious institution with a history spanning over five centuries, has always been a symbol of community service. However, the recent development regarding the mutt’s dining hall has left the devotees feeling betrayed and confused. Muppin Baavalinga Seer, the head of the Annadaneshwar Mutt, expressed deep disappointment over the mutt’s dining hall being classified as Waqf land, a designation which has raised concerns among local residents who depend on the Mutt for spiritual and social gatherings.

Legal and Administrative Uncertainty

In response to these growing concerns, a group of farmers from Laxmeshwar town has filed formal complaints with the tahsildar after discovering that land records for 50 acres show the land as Waqf property. The farmers are unable to sell or avail themselves of government schemes due to the presence of Waqf in the property records. They have called upon the local administration for assistance, citing the negative impact this designation is having on their daily lives.

The farmers argue that the land, which they have farmed for generations, should not be classified as Waqf, and they are demanding clarification and action from the authorities. Many are unable to make improvements to the land, apply for loans, or even sell their properties due to the ongoing ambiguity over the status of these lands.

The Community Struggle

In addition to the concerns of farmers, the issue has also raised broader questions about the administration and management of Waqf properties in the region. The local community is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of transparency and communication from the government. The designation of so many properties as Waqf lands without clear explanation has led to widespread fear and confusion, with many locals feeling that they are being deprived of their rightful property.

MLA GS Patil of Ron constituency, who was approached by the residents for help, assured the villagers that he would investigate the matter and take action as soon as possible. However, many locals are skeptical about the timely resolution of their concerns, given the complexity of Waqf land regulations and the delays that have already been encountered.

Steps Towards Resolution

A Gadag district administration official reassured the public that the government is aware of the complaints and that they are working on resolving the issue. "We understand the concerns of the farmers and the community. There are many complaints regarding the Waqf properties, and we will address them soon. The farmers need not worry, and we are committed to assisting them," the official said.

Despite these assurances, the situation remains tense, as residents and farmers await clarity on the matter. The classification of farmland and religious properties as Waqf has raised pressing questions about the balance between preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that local communities retain access to the lands they have traditionally relied upon.

A Call for Dialogue and Action

The ongoing situation in Gadag calls for open dialogue between the Waqf Board, local authorities, and affected farmers. As the issue continues to develop, the residents of Naregal and Laxmeshwar are calling for a solution that respects both the historical significance of the Waqf properties and the rights of those who depend on the land for their livelihoods.

Local leaders, including MLA GS Patil, must ensure that the concerns of farmers and the community are heard and addressed in a timely manner, as the legal and social ramifications of this issue continue to unfold. Only through effective communication, legal clarity, and appropriate action can the concerns of those affected be resolved, restoring trust in the administration and ensuring a fair resolution for all parties involved.