Under the umbrella of Shikshan Hakka Manch, an educational NGO, several social workers, ulemas and some advocates have decided to intensify their demand by holding a demonstration at the collector’s office on January 18.

Currently, the Wakf Board office and the tribunal court are located in Aurangabad and petitioners from the western districts of Pune, Sangli, Satara, Wai and Kolhapur have to proceed to Aurangabad for every hearing. Community members contend that the setting up of a Wakf Board in the city will speed up hearing of Wakf property related cases.

“There are several Wakf properties, which are encroached upon by builders and land sharks in the city and Pune district. There are several cases which are still pending at the Aurangabad Wakf Board Tribunal Court, and at every hearing, petitioners have to go there and stand before the court, which is strenuous and time consuming,” said Matin Mujawar of Shikshan Hakka Manch.