Srinagar shrines victim to tampering

Srinagar's Old City is still mourning the loss of the 200-year-old Dastageer Sahib shrine to fire. But few notice the damage to numerous heritage shrines through repeated tamperings.

Srinagar's Old City is still mourning the loss of the 200-year-old Dastageer Sahib shrine to fire. But few notice the damage to numerous heritage shrines through repeated tamperings.

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The most recent victim is the 14th century ASI protected Khanqah-e-Maulla shrine, where work is on with the blessings of the Muslim Awqaf trust headed by chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Responsible for the conservation of heritage shrines, the trust has been permitting extensions in almost all major shrines.

"They are damaging to the structures," said Saleem Beigh, in-charge INTACH, Kashmir.

The trust says the changes are necessary to create space. "Those who talk about shrine preservation have never offered prayers there," said trust member Ali Mohammad Sagar. The matter is likely to be discussed in a meeting on Thursday.