Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 16: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi today defended the ongoing verification of mosques and clerics, saying the exercise was necessary to protect religious institutions and Waqf properties and should not be given a political colour.
Click here to watch video
Speaking to reporters, Andrabi said verification was essential to prevent future disputes and encroachments.
She stressed that the process was purely administrative and not driven by any hidden agenda.
“Verification is important. Without proper papers, anyone can come tomorrow and claim ownership of land. This exercise is meant to safeguard religious properties,” she said.
Referring to the verification being carried out by the police, Andrabi urged mosque committees, aima and maulvis not to feel threatened.
She said similar objections were raised earlier when Waqf properties were documented under the Waqf Development Act and later uploaded on the Umeed portal.
“At that time also politics took over. Waqf Boards across the country worked hard to upload details of properties. This is not wrong,” she said, adding that the same political narrative was now being repeated over mosque verification.
She maintained that proper verification and registration of mosques, imambaras and other religious places was necessary for their long-term protection and would ultimately benefit Jammu and Kashmir.
She also said the Waqf Board remained open to assist mosque committees and provide guidance on the issue.
Meanwhile, Andrabi said Central Government schemes had played a major role in boosting the fruit industry in Kashmir.
Speaking at Lassipora in Pulwama after laying the foundation stone of a modern cold storage facility, she said such infrastructure would help fruit growers and traders from Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts.
She said Government initiatives had supported farmers through scientific interventions, high-density cultivation and financial assistance, leading to overall growth in the horticulture sector.
Andrabi also praised the growing spirit of agro-entrepreneurship among youth. Later, she visited Dargah Hazratbal to review arrangements for Shab-e-Meraj.
The post Verification necessary to safeguard religious institutions: Andrabi appeared first on Daily Excelsior.