Jammu/Kishtwar, April 6, 2026: In a significant development, the Waqf Board Unit Kishtwar has addressed a long-pending demand of the Muslim community by allocating land for a General Graveyard at Village Palez, located close to the existing burial site.
The decision follows repeated representations from various delegations who had urged the authorities to resolve the shortage of burial space in District Kishtwar. The Executive Officer, Waqf Board Unit Kishtwar, Mr. Firdoos Ahmad Bawani, acted promptly on these requests and ensured identification and demarcation of suitable land within a short period, in consultation with senior authorities of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, particularly its Chairperson, Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi.
Approximately 7 kanals of Waqf land have been earmarked for immediate use as a General Graveyard, thereby providing relief to the local population.
Meanwhile, certain ex-parte Sajjadanashins allegedly attempted to create confusion by spreading misinformation regarding the decision. Officials stated that such actions were misleading and not in the larger interest of the community.
The matter has gained clarity following a recent judgment of the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh dated February 4, 2026, in OWP No. 97/1979. The court ruled in favour of the Waqf Board in a decades-old dispute concerning the shrines of Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din and Hazrat Shah Asrar-ud-Din, along with all associated properties.
On April 6, 2026, a delegation led by the Executive Officer, Mr. Firdoos Ahmad Bawani, accompanied by Moulana Farooq Hussain Kichloo, Imam of Jamia Masjid Kishtwar; Qazi Mehboob Ahmad, Principal of Islamia Faridia Higher Secondary School Kishtwar and in charge of supervision and maintenance of Waqf establishments in the district; Mr. Shabir Ahmad Kamal, former President of the Municipal Committee Kishtwar; along with other dignitaries, civil society members, and representatives of the District Administration, visited the Ziarat of Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din at Astan Bala, commonly known as Ziarat Faridia.
During the visit, the delegation formally took possession of the sacred relics associated with Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din from the custodians. The process was carried out in a peaceful and orderly manner.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Firdoos Ahmad Bawani outlined a proposal to divide Kishtwar town into four zones for the establishment of dedicated graveyards in the future. He stated that this plan is under active consideration and is aimed at ensuring a long-term solution to burial space requirements.
For the time being, the newly identified land at Village Palez will serve as the General Graveyard. Moulana Farooq Hussain Kichloo, Imam of Jamia Masjid Kishtwar, has been requested to inform the public about this development during Friday prayers.
Officials further stated that any decision regarding the existing graveyard will be taken after consultations with religious scholars and prominent members of society. The final proposal will be submitted to the Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, for approval.
In a strong message, the Executive Officer, Mr. Firdoos Ahmad Bawani, warned all encroachers of Waqf land to vacate such properties voluntarily. He stated that these lands have already been notified in the Government Gazette and geo-tagged, and failure to comply will invite strict legal action, including recovery of damages for unauthorized occupation.
He reiterated that the Waqf Board is committed to protecting its properties and ensuring their use for intended religious and charitable purposes, and emphasized that no Waqf land will be allowed to remain under illegal occupation.
