Shopian: The Jamia Masjid in Shopian is getting its glory back as over Rs 35 lakh from public donations have been spent on beautification and renovation of its interiors. Most donations have come from people in Shopian and nearby Pir Panjal region.
According to officials who have been assigned as caretakers of the mosque by the local court, new power fittings have been installed as well as new fans. They said that 80 percent of matting has also been changed with a new one.
Also, the long pending demand of devotees is being fulfilled as the authorities are going to change the tin roof of the mosque. The tin roof according to locals had developed holes at many places due to rust, which let rain water in and decayed the walls and ceiling.
Locals said that they are happy with the move taken by the authorities. “We are thankful to the deputy commissioner Shopian and assistant commissioner revenue Shopian who took these steps which were never taken by previous administrators,” said Shahid Ahmad, a town resident.
Majid Hussain, another local, said that it now feels at last that they have entered a mosque, not an ordinary structure. “Earlier there used to be dust, broken wires, and interiors filled with bird droppings, but now it’s being kept neat and clean,” he said, adding that the number of people offering five-time daily prayers at the mosque has increased.
Assistant commissioner revenue Shopian, Shahbaz Ahmad Bodha, who has been assigned as receiver by the court, said that tin and other things for the roof will cost more than Rs 50 lakh rupees. “We have put a hold on other works since we are changing the roof on priority. Though there are not enough donation funds available for the roof, but after final assessment we will ask the public for donations,” he said.
Bodha said that they have not received final bills from the construction agencies and approximately Rs 35 to 40 lakh have been spent on power fittings and matting.
Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Choudhury Muhammad Yasin, told Kashmir Reader that all the funds spent on the mosque have been taken from public donations and not even a penny from government funds has been spent. “The works were executed after the consent of both the parties who had filed court cases against each other,” he said.
Bodha said that the matter of beautification of exteriors and footpath has been taken up with municipal authorities and it will also be carried out in due course of time.
The Jamia Masjid in Shopian is said to have been constructed in the 1930s and early 40s.

Raashid Hassan