Waqf Board intervention Poonch
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK JANUARY 19 2026
Concerns over alleged financial irregularities in religious institutions have intensified in District Poonch, triggering renewed demands for Waqf Board intervention in Poonch. Local residents and community observers have raised serious questions about the management of certain Dargahs and Madrasas, where income is allegedly controlled by unauthorised individuals without transparency or accountability.
According to local residents and community observers, several Waqf-linked institutions in the district are allegedly being run by self-styled committees and individuals without any formal authorisation or statutory recognition. It is claimed that income generated through offerings, donations, rentals, and other sources remains unaccounted for, with no proper financial records, audits, or disclosures made available to the public.
Furthermore, observers argue that such practices not only undermine public trust but also defeat the very purpose of Waqf endowments, which are meant to serve religious, charitable, and community welfare objectives. “When there is no accountability or legal oversight, religious institutions inevitably suffer reputational damage, and faith itself becomes a casualty,” remarked a senior community member, requesting anonymity.
Meanwhile,legal experts point out that under the Waqf Act, 1995, the Waqf Board is vested with the authority and responsibility to superintend and protect Waqf properties and ensure proper utilisation of their income. In cases where misappropriation, unauthorised management, or persistent non-compliance is established, the Board is legally empowered to order inquiries, conduct audits, and, if necessary, assume temporary management through appointed administrators.
At the same time, informed circles emphasise that any corrective action must remain firmly within constitutional and statutory limits. While religious scholars and clerics may offer guidance on doctrinal matters, vesting unchecked administrative or financial powers in any single individual under religious or emotional pretexts is widely viewed as legally untenable and counterproductive.
Public opinion in Poonch increasingly favours a structured, transparent, and law-based approach, wherein the Waqf Board exercises financial oversight, ensures accountability, and facilitates the formation of properly registered and representative management bodies. Such a model, observers believe, would help restore confidence, prevent misuse of religious funds, and protect institutions from future controversies.
Moreover,the matter is now being seen as a test case for institutional reform and governance of Waqf properties in the region. Stakeholders hope that timely intervention by the J&K Waqf Board will not only address existing irregularities but also establish a sustainable framework for the lawful and transparent management of religious institutions across the district.
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