Seizure Of Masjid Bank Account Sparks Protest At Nowshehra

Srinagar: Protests erupted in Nowshehra area in Srinagar on Saturday after the authorities seized the bank accounts of Khawaja Habibullah Nowsheri (RA) Masjid here following the allegations of misappropriation of funds.

The local inhabitants expressed resentment and stated that some people for their vested interests have been putting their efforts to take over the Masjid and thus simultaneously have been making false allegations to create ruckus.

Showkat Ahmad, president of the Masjid, said such is the interference that the prayer leader, who served for 25 year now, is being asked to vacate.

“We have kept the details of each and everything. There is no misappropriation of funds at all,” he said, adding that some people with vested interests have been making false allegations in this regard.

Another local said the Masjid is not Waqf notified, but some people are trying to create disturbances by claiming that the issues of misappropriation have taken place. “The Masjid in which the people from almost 10 areas offer prayers on a regular basis have never raised the voice against the Imam (prayer leader), but the voices of only a few vested interests are being heard and the majority is being neglected. Even the bank account has been seized on their interference,” he said.

Moreover, Waqf Board Chairperson, when contacted said the Masjid is not Waqf notified, but they have got a complaint about the misappropriation of funds following which the local administration was directed to investigate the matter.