Chairman Anjuman-e-Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday chaired a meeting of the Anjuman at Jamia Masjid, to stake stock of the arrangements in and around the grand masjid, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting was attended by all members of the managing body of Jamia Masjid and some prominent traders of Jamia market.According to a statement issued to GNS, Mirwaiz felicitated the Muslim Ummah in general and the people of Kashmir in particular stating that the fasting month provides great opportunity for the believers to repent their sins and to get closer to Almighty Allah seeking His blessings. He said people must make good use of every minute of the holy month.Taking stock of the arrangements, the members of the Auqaf updated the chairman regarding the arrangements made available for the worshipers who come to the grand masjid during the fasting month. Mirwaiz directed the members and staff about the availability of water for ablution and other facilities and ensure prayer mats are available for every worshiper so that no inconvenience is caused to the devotees in the holy month.The meeting however, expressed great dismay over government’s apathy towards the historic mosque.
The participants said that each year government used to convene important meetings and take members of the Auqaf on board ahead of the holy month regarding the arrangements, but this time around, nothing of that sort has happened.The participants said that there is only propaganda that crores are being spent on the upkeep and beautification of the grand masjid by the government, but the situation on ground is the opposite. They said that instead of completing the work outside the Jamia Masjid undertaken by the authorities, all works have been put on hold for reasons best known to the ruling dispensation.The participants also said that the issues of providing uninterrupted electricity and water supply to the grand masjid, too has been neglected by the ruling regime, which is a matter of concern. They expressed serious concern over the “illegal construction” taking place outside the grand masjid, which they said is posing a serious threat to this iconic marvel as many tall buildings are coming up outside the Masjid, blocking the view.“Despite being repeatedly told, the law enforcing agencies have adopted a criminal silence and are not acting against those who are raising illegal constructions outside the grand masjid,” the participants said. (GNS)