Srinagar, June 10: Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board, Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Saturday issued orders to ban entry of footwear into praying spaces in mosques and shrines controlled by the Board.
According to Waqf officials, “The decision to ban footwear inside the praying areas was made to address two main concerns. Firstly, it was observed that worshippers often prayed near their footwear, creating unhygienic conditions. This not only compromised the cleanliness of the religious places but also went against their sacred nature.”
To implement this new rule, the Engineering Wing and other staff have been instructed to make the necessary arrangements. They will be responsible for installing shoe racks under CCTV surveillance outside the praying areas. This way, devotees will have a safe place to keep their footwear while they engage in prayer.
Officials said, “Once the shoe racks and surveillance systems are in place, Shrine and Mosque Administrators have been directed to enforce the ban immediately. However, it is important to note that the ban will be implemented only in those places where adequate shoe racks under CCTV surveillance are already available.”
It said, “This decision by Dr. Andrabi aims to ensure that religious places are kept clean and free from any unhygienic conditions caused by footwear. It will help worshippers focus on their prayers without any distractions, and maintain the sacred atmosphere within these important religious sites. The implementation of shoe racks under CCTV surveillance will provide added security to the devotees’ belongings, ensuring a safe and organized arrangement for everyone visiting the mosques and shrines.”
