SHOPIAN: The Jamia Masjid in Shopian which had fallen into disrepair due to court cases of corruption against its managing committee members is now seeing better days.
Donations from the locals and efforts of the district administration have together led to renovation of the mosque. New electric fittings have now been put in place, interiors have been refurbished, and work has started on beautification of the mosque’s surroundings.
The renovation plans were initiated by the administration after deliberations with locals in the winter. After many cases went to court against former mosque committee members for embezzlement of funds, the task of maintenance and receiving of donations for the purpose was entrusted to the assistant commissioner revenue and four other members of the mosque’s managing committee by the court.
Now, the old wires and electric fittings have been replaced by the district authorities and renovation of the mosque interiors has been done. The replacement of the tin roof of the mosque has not been done yet, a change that locals are eager to see. “One can see layers of rust on the tin roof, but despite the replacement of the roof being sanctioned a decade ago, it has not been done yet,” said Showkat Ahmad, a local.
Assistant Commissioner Revenue Shopian, Shahbaz Ahmad Dodha told Kashmir Reader that the electricity fittings are almost complete and some interior renovation works have also been done. He said that all the funds utilised have come from people’s donations. “Changing the tin roof tin is a big task and for that we need to have more planning with the people,” he said, adding that three among the four members designated by the court have either resigned or not joined.
“All the funds which we are utilising for the mosque are from donations through proper channel. The surroundings will be renovated under tourism and cultural sites funds,” Dodha said.

Raashid Hassan