Constitutional Affairs Correspondent||
Poonch, July 16:
The Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board, Unit District Poonch, has issued an official notice to the Imam of Jamia Masjid Mendhar, directing him to submit the detailed financial accounts of the mosque from 2010 till date within 10 days.
According to the notice issued by the Executive Officer/Administrator, J&K Waqf Board, Unit District Poonch, the land of Jamia Masjid Mendhar, including its allied properties falling under Khasra Nos. 55 and 56, measuring 4 Kanal and 19 Marlas, is a duly notified Waqf property under SRO-165 dated April 20, 1985.
The notice states that the Waqf Board has received multiple complaints alleging that the Waqf property was rented out to various individuals without prior approval of the J&K Waqf Board and that rent from these properties was allegedly being collected without valid authorization.
It further mentions that complaints have also been received regarding the alleged misuse and misappropriation of public donations collected in the name of Jamia Masjid Mendhar for construction and other purposes.
In view of these allegations, the Waqf Board has directed the concerned Imam to submit complete details of the mosque’s income, expenditure, rent collected from shopkeepers, audited bank statements certified by a registered Chartered Accountant (CA), copies of agreements, and supporting vouchers within ten days.
The notice warns that failure to furnish the required records within the stipulated period will invite action under the law.
Copies of the notice have also been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Senior Superintendent of Police Poonch, Special Officer Auqaf, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mendhar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Mendhar, Administrative Controller Jammu Province, Private Secretary to the Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, and the Inspector, J&K Waqf Board, Mendhar, for information and necessary follow-up.
The notice does not make a finding of wrongdoing; it seeks records and cites complaints received, with further action to depend on the response and any subsequent inquiry.
