Anantnag, Sep 07: Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board and Minister of State Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Thursday visited Hazratbal, Kabamarg in south Kashmir and paid obeisance at the historic Dargah. She laid the foundation stone of the grand mosque which will be constructed in the shrine complex.
Dr Andrabi took stock of the shrine management there and issued instructions for upgrading the cleanliness of the campus. “The construction of this mosque was in the proposal for years but today we are fortunate to lay the foundation stone of this grand structure. The project will be completed within the proposed time frame with the help of the people of the area,” she said while speaking to the media persons after the foundation ceremony.
The Waqf Board chairperson held meetings with the local public delegations and the representatives of the administration. She later visited the Aadar Sharief Khiram in Bijbehara and paid obeisance at the shrine. This historic shrine was taken over by the Waqf Board last year after Dr Andrabi intervened when the government notification issued years ago was implemented.
“The public had raised issues of grave misappropriation of funds of the shrine by the earlier local management committee and a high-power enquiry was immediately ordered. Now, on the findings of the inquiry committee, an FIR has been lodged and legal action against the accused has started,” Dr Andrabi said.
Dr Andrabi also took stock of the facilities and management and issued orders to upgrade facilities for pilgrimage in view of upcoming festival gatherings at the shrine. She was accompanied by the CEO of Waqf Board Dr Syed Majid Jahangir, Tehsildar of the Board Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin and others.