Waqf Board Chief lays foundation stone for Cold Storage Facility at Lassipora in Pulwama, takes stock of Shab-e-Mae’raj arrangements at Dargah Hazratbal
Says “Verification of Mosques solely aimed at safeguarding religious institutions. There was no agenda behind this”
Srinagar : Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board on Friday inaugurated the Al Hayaat Cold Storage Facility at IGC Lassipora, aimed at supporting fruit growers and traders from the Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag districts. This modern facility is expected to enhance the storage and preservation capabilities for the local fruit industry.
Addressing the event Dr. Andrabi emphasized the importance of cold storage in bolstering the fruit sector and highlighted various initiatives by local entrepreneurs, supported by Central Government schemes, to improve agricultural infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir. She noted a significant horticultural boost in the region, attributing it to government interventions that have introduced advanced cultivation techniques and financial assistance for the horticulture sector. Dr. Andrabi praised the growing spirit of agro-entrepreneurship among the youth, which is transforming the horticultural landscape. She acknowledged the contributions of local youth to infrastructural development that will benefit the fruit industry. Following the inauguration, she visited Dargah Hazratbal to pay her respects and review arrangements for Shab-e-Ma’eraj. In response to political opposition regarding the verification of Imams and mosques in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Andrabi stated that the process is intended to protect religious institutions and should not be politicized. She criticized politicians for spreading misinformation about the Waqf properties and asserted that the verification is a routine government exercise beneficial to all stakeholders.



