Ganderbal, Sep 26 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Saturday inaugurated the reconstruction and upgradation project of the ziyarats of Hazrat Syed Jaffar Sahib (RA), Hazrat Syed Abdul Rehman Sahib (RA) and Syed Hajah Sahiba at Rayil Gund in Kangan area of Ganderbal district.
Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Andrabi said the J&K Waqf Board had resolved in 2022 to undertake the beautification and development of dargahs associated with Sufis and 'Awliya-e-Kiram' across Jammu and Kashmir.
She said the Board had undertaken works for beautification of dargahs and ziyarats, renovation of mosques and development of other assets under its jurisdiction.
“We have beautified the dargahs and ziyarats, renovated mosques and developed all the dargahs, ziyarats and other assets that come under the Waqf. In 2026, we have reconstructed and beautified our buildings and dargahs,” Andrabi said.
She said the Waqf Board was working in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of taking forward infrastructure and development works.
On reports regarding removal of books related to Islamic literature from a library, Andrabi said she did not have sufficient information about the matter to comment on it.
On restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the Waqf Chairperson said the Centre had already given an assurance regarding the same.
“When Article 370 was removed, our Home Minister had said on the same day that statehood was the right of Jammu and Kashmir, and that statehood would be given. When the Home Minister and the Prime Minister have given this assurance, it is like a line carved in stone, and nobody can erase it. I am fully confident that the promise will be fulfilled,” she said.
Reacting to criticism surrounding the functioning of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Andrabi said the Opposition had a role in raising issues concerning the people.
She said governments should fulfil the promises made to the people and work towards addressing their concerns.
Referring to the works undertaken by the Waqf Board, Andrabi said several development works had been taken up despite there being no demands from the public.
“We had not made any promise, and no work had been done here for nearly 40 years. But we prepared a plan and started working. When you occupy a position of responsibility, it becomes your duty to work and understand your responsibilities,” she said.
Andrabi also welcomed former Chief Minister and Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad’s appreciation of the Waqf Board’s work during his recent visit to a dargah.
She said Azad’s remarks and reaction after witnessing the development works had encouraged the Board to work further.
“Whatever he said is a great source of encouragement for us, and his words have motivated us to work even harder. We thank him,” she said.
On future work in Ganderbal, Dr Darakhshan said the Waqf Board would continue efforts to improve facilities at shrines and ziyarats under its jurisdiction.
“We want to beautify all the shrines, ziyarats and Sufi dargahs under the Waqf Board so that the faith and beliefs of the people associated with these places are further strengthened,” she said—(KNO)