Waqf Board Allots 7 Kanals of Land for Graveyard.

Waqf Board Allots 7 Kanals of Land for Graveyard in Kishtwar, Sets Rs 5000 Registration Per Burial.

Alert Correspondent

Kishtwar, June 19: Addressing a pressing need of the local population, the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board has allotted over 7 Kanals of Waqf land at Village Kishtwar for the establishment of a new graveyard. The decision was formally taken in the 12th meeting of the Board held on November 30, 2024, chaired by Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board.

The allotted land includes Khasra No. 36 measuring 04 Kanal 06 Marlas and Khasra No. 37 measuring 03 Kanal 08 Marlas, totaling 07 Kanals 14 Marlas. The move comes in response to repeated requests from residents who had highlighted the severe space constraints in the existing graveyard, making it difficult to carry out burial practices in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence.

As per the official order issued by Executive Officer Firdoos Ahmed Bawani, a spot visit was conducted, and it was observed that the geographical location of the proposed land is ideal for graveyard purposes. The land is accessible from both sides by traffic-worthy roads and is situated close to the ancestral graveyard and Jinaza Gah, making it a highly suitable site for Islamic burial practices as per community needs and aspirations.

The order also noted that the Waqf land, notified under Gazette Notification SRO-619 dated November 15, 1979, is not transferable or alienable and can only be utilized for the collective benefit of the Muslim community. Hence, in the larger interest of the Waqf Unit Kishtwar, the land is allotted to the beneficiary community for graveyard purposes. It will be supervised and managed by the Waqf Board Unit Kishtwar.

In a structured approach to ensure fair use, a registration charge of ₹5000 per burial will be levied, to be paid by the legal heirs of the deceased. This fee is subject to future revision in consultation with all stakeholders.

The allotment comes with the key terms and conditions including that the land shall strictly be used for bonafide graveyard purposes only. No alterations or changes shall be made without prior approval from the Waqf Board and Executive Officer, Waqf Board Kishtwar. Moreover, it says that the Legal heirs or persons associated with the deceased shall not gain ownership rights or any entitlement over the land. Violation of this clause may lead to cancellation of burial rights as per law and the Burials must follow Islamic practices in a sequential manner without leaving patches of land unused.

The order has been widely circulated among relevant officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, SSP, CMO, Tehsildar, and Imam of Markazi Jamia Masjid Kishtwar, who has been requested to announce the decision during Friday sermons.

The Waqf Board has directed its Liaison Officer to ensure implementation of the order and to give it broad publicity through print and electronic media.