Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Jan 16 (JKNS): Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, on Friday said there is no reason for fear or confusion over the verification of Imams, Khateebs and mosques, asserting that the exercise is purely administrative and aimed at protecting Waqf properties.
Talking to reporters in Pulwama, Dr Andrabi, as per news agency JKNS, said Waqf-related issues have repeatedly been politicised, even when the Waqf Development Act was enacted, but the Board remained focused on serving the community’s larger interests.
“When the Waqf Development Act was passed, it too was subjected to politics. Despite this, we worked tirelessly. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, introduced the UMEED Portal for Waqf development for a fixed period, and we initiated the registration of Waqf properties,” she said.
She said Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of the leading Union Territories in registering Waqf assets. “Because of sustained efforts, Waqf properties in J&K were registered on the portal, placing the Union Territory at the top,” she added.
Addressing concerns regarding mosques, Dr Andrabi clarified that any mosque falling under Waqf would have been registered accordingly. “If mosques were part of Waqf properties, they would have been uploaded on the UMEED Portal. There is no justification for creating unnecessary controversy or misleading people on this issue,” she said.
Dr Andrabi remarked that certain political elements continue to exploit Waqf matters for their own interests. “Initially, claims were made that properties would be taken away. Later, after registration, exaggerated figures were floated. Facts must be verified. Had we succumbed to political pressure, transparent registration on the portal would not have been possible,” she said.
She emphasized that verification should be viewed as a protective measure rather than a threat. “Just as ownership of land requires proper documentation, religious places such as mosques, shrines and gurdwaras also need verification to avoid future disputes,” she explained.
Appealing to Imams, Molvis and mosque management committees, Dr Andrabi urged them not to panic. “There is no hidden or political agenda. This process is meant to secure their future and ensure long-term protection of religious properties in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Terming the spread of fear as unfortunate, she said the verification drive is a constructive step. “This initiative is in the larger interest of Jammu and Kashmir and should not be misrepresented or politicised,” she added. (JKNS)
