Devotees demand immediate mecadamisation of road to Hazrat Sheikh Ali Sirhindi (RA) Shrine at Khonmoh

Srinagar, Aug 23: Devotees and residents of Khomoh area of Srinagar, have raised strong concern over the dilapidated condition of the road leading to the revered shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Ali Sirhindi (RA).The two-kilometre stretch, which remains slippery and non-motorable, has become a source of immense inconvenience for the faithful who throng the shrine for special prayers, particularly on Mondays and Thursdays. President of the Shrine Committee, Abdul Majeed, expressed frustration over the official apathy. “We have knocked at every door, from concerned departments to even approaching our MLA from Lal Chowk constituency, Ehsan Pardesi, but nothing concrete has been done so far. Every time we are given assurances, but on the ground, the road remains the same,” he said.Local residents echoed the concern, stating that despite the shrine’s spiritual and cultural significance, the road has been left neglected. “It becomes extremely difficult for elderly devotees and women to walk on the slippery track, especially during rains. Vehicles cannot ply on the road and this discourages many from visiting regularly,” said Nisar Ahmed, another member of the Shrine Committee.Bilal Ahmad, a resident said that the road’s condition worsens during winters. “When it snows, the approach becomes life-threatening. People slip, children fall, and at times devotees avoid visiting despite their wish to be present at the shrine. This is unacceptable for such an important spiritual place,” he said.Women devotees also shared their pain. “Many of us walk long distances to reach the shrine for blessings, but the road is so bad that sometimes we have to return midway. Elderly women face the worst hardship,” said Fatima, a devotee who visits the shrine every Monday.Imran, a youth from the area, said: “The shrine draws devotees not just from Khomoh but from different parts of Srinagar. It has a special place in the hearts of people, yet its approach looks like a neglected alley. Authorities must wake up.”Another elderly devotee expressed anguish: “This is not just a road, it is the path to a saint’s door. Leaving it broken and slippery is an insult to our faith and heritage. We appeal to the government and the Waqf Board to show some respect.”The community has appealed to Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi to personally intervene and ensure immediate mecadamisation of the road. “This is not just about convenience; it is about respecting the sanctity of one of the most revered shrines in Srinagar. The Waqf Board must prioritize this,” the Astaan Committee urged. With devotees continuing to suffer, the demand for mecadamisation of the road has now turned into a collective plea — a call for action to restore dignity and accessibility to the sacred shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Ali Sirhindi (RA).