Ganderbal, Jun 02: Located near district headquarters Ganderbal, the historical Mughal era mosque popularly known as Malshahibagh Masjid is facing negligence from the Waqf Board and Directorate of Archives and Archeology.
The centuries-old mosque located at Malshahibagh village of Ganderbal lies in ruins.
According to locals, owing to inclement weather conditions, the Masjid has suffered extensive damage over the years and the government has done nothing to repair the same.
According to various historians, the Masjid was built by Dara Shikoh in 17th century for his tutor Mullah Akhoon Shah.
The mosque is currently in the possession of Waqf Board here along with 360 Kanals of orchard land.
“The Wakf Board continues to earn lakhs of rupees from the orchards every year but is not spending a penny for the restoration and revival of the mosque,” locals say.
“The Masjid is a fine example of Mughal architecture and should be declared a heritage site. This Masjid is in a dilapidated condition. Waqf Board has failed to preserve it and Archeology department is also not concerned about this heritage,” they added.
Mohammad Hussain, a local resident said, “The Masjid can become a center of attraction for tourists if it is restored.”
When contacted Mushtaq Baig, Assistant Director, Directorate of Archeology, Archives and Museums said, “The Waqf board just wants to generate revenue from the orchards. I will personally visit the place in coming days and will send the revenue records of Masjid land to government so that we can declare it a heritage site under Ancient Monuments and Preservation Act.”
He further added, “Earlier when we issued a preliminary notification to declare Aali Masjid at Eidghah a heritage site, the Waqf Board objected the move. We need consent from Waqf Board to declare the Masjid a heritage site.”
When contacted Nizamudin Bhat, Vice-chairman, J&K Wakf Board, said, “We have no objections if the Masjid is declared as a heritage site. Let the Directorate of Archeology communicate with us, we will respond positively.”
