Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 16: Stating that the verification of Imams, Khateebs and mosques is purely administrative to safeguard Waqf assets and dismiss any political motives, the
Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Friday dismissed any political motives in the verification of Imams, Khateebs and mosques, terming it a “purely administrative” process to ensure long-term protection of religious properties across the Union Territory.
She appealed to the clerics and mosque committees to cooperate with the administration.
“The verification process is being unnecessarily politicised by certain vested interests. There is absolutely no need for fear or confusion. This exercise is meant to secure our religious and community assets, not to target anyone,” Dr Andrabi said.
She said Jammu and Kashmir has emerged among the top UTs in registering Waqf properties under the UMEED Portal launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. “We worked tirelessly to ensure transparency. If mosques are part of Waqf assets, they are already registered on the portal,” she said.
Dr Darakhshan stressed that documentation and verification are essential to avoid future disputes. “Just as land ownership needs records, religious places too require authentication for their protection,” she said, urging Imams, Molvis and mosque managements not to panic.
Terming the spread of fear “unfortunate”, she said political elements are attempting to mislead people for their own gains. “This initiative is for the larger good of Jammu and Kashmir and should not be misrepresented or politicised,” the Waqf Board chairperson added.
