The Jammu Kashmir Waqf board has issued fresh instructions regarding the usage of public address systems which is likely to hit the centuries-long tradition of Manqabat recitals across Kashmir Khanqahs that fall under the board’s control.
In a notice accessed by The Kashmiriyat, the Waqf administered by the centrally run BJP government, the Waqf board has said,
The Public Address System of the Shrines/ Khanqahs/Mosques under direct Control & Management of J&K Waqf Board is being used unauthorisedly at certain places to raise sensitive issues and stir controversies, that has the potential to disturb peace and tranquillity at these revered religious places, read the notice.
It is, as such, ordered that no person, other than the already designated Imams/Khateebs/Muazins, shall henceforth use the Public Address System without prior permission of the concerned Administrator, so that sacrosanctity of these religious places is maintained and devotees perform religious obligations in a peaceful and harmonious environment. All the Administrators shall ensure strict compliance of the order, & any violation shall invite immediate legal action, the Waqf board ordered.
Another notice read that it was brought to the notice of the Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, that some “self-proclaimed” Mujavirs, who were recently ousted from all shrines of J&K in view of complaints of illegitimate practices, have kept erstwhile accommodations within the Shrines under their lock and key. Besides, they also continue to utilize furniture, viz., Lockers/Almirahs/Shelves in these Shrines for keeping their personal belongings to illegally claim ownership.
The Hon’ble Chairperson has taken a serious view of the issue, accordingly, all Administrators are hereby ordered to take control of all such accommodations/furniture, and wherever required, may even break open the locks in case of non-cooperation. Precious items, donated over the years by devotees for shrines and also kept in these Lockers for unknown reasons, shall also be taken into custody after proper inventorization, so that these can be put to auction, and funds realized can be utilized for maintenance/upkeep of respective Shrines, read the notice.
Administrators are instructed to frame a committee at their concerned Shrines for videography of the entire process in presence of claimants of personal belongings, wherever possible, and video-graphic evidence shall be submitted in the PA Section of the undersigned within two days positively.
Also, there are reports that some persons acting as proxies of these self-proclaimed Mujavirs, disguising themselves as Service Providers despite availability of adequate Waqf staff, still keep roaming in some Shrines to exploit devotees. They shall also not be allowed to operate henceforth. It is however made clear that Administrators shall facilitate performance of all religious activities hassle-free for every devotee, read the notice