Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 19: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board today banned Dastaar Bandi (Turban-tying) of influential people including politicians at shrines across the UT.
The ban was imposed through an order issued here today by the Wakf Board.
“Whereas, J&K Waqf Board directly manages the affairs of major Shrines and Mosques across the UT of Jammu and Kashmir as per the provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995 (as amended in 2013), and thousands of Ziyarats /Masjids/ Ithanqahs/DarulUlooms/ Graveyards, governed by the provisions of the Waqf Act, arc yet to be directly administered by the J&K Waqf Board,” read the order.
“Whereas, the Board is in receipt of a number of complaints regarding unethical use of platform of Ziyarats to appease influential people, particularly the political leaders, through Turban-tying (Dastaar Bandi) ceremony at Ziyarats,” it said.
The order further said the leaders continue to be invited to the shrines and their Dastaar bandi is carried out on the basis of party affiliations to promote political agenda at sacred religious places.
“Whereas, the Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board has taken a serious view of the matter, and the Board is of the view that religious places like, Ziyarats/Ithanqahs/Masjids/Darul Ulooms, can only be used to promote religious activities, and Dastaar Bandi at such places can only be carried out to felicitate people for the achievement in the religious field,” it said.
“Now therefore, Dastaar Bandi of people at all religious places, governed by the provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995, is hereby completely banned. However, Dastaar Bandi of people for religious achievements shall be allowed with prior permission of the Central Office Waqf Board,” it said, adding that all the Administrators/ Executive Officers are directed to ensure strict implementation of this order, and any violation shall immediately be brought to the notice of the Central office for legal action in the matter.
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