Poonch, Jan 8: Surankote Graveyard Burial Issue : In the wake of public concern following an alleged burial denial incident at Surankote, the Administrator of the Waqf Board Unit Poonch on Wednesday visited the Duroshahid graveyard and issued a clarification aimed at easing tensions and addressing the issue.
Speaking to locals during the visit, the Waqf Board Administrator categorically stated that the graveyard is not a private burial ground of any individual or group, but a common graveyard meant for all Muslims. He said that unnecessary confusion and anxiety had spread among the public after reports emerged about the closure of a grave on the previous day.
“I was in Jammu yesterday and returned today. Since the Surankote graveyard falls on the way, I felt it was appropriate to stop here and assess the situation personally,” the Administrator said.
Assuring the people of immediate remedial measures, he announced that necessary arrangements for boundary wall construction and fencing of the graveyard will be undertaken at the earliest to avoid future disputes. He further added that proper cleanliness and maintenance of the graveyard will also be ensured, keeping in view its religious and social importance.
The Administrator emphasized that the Waqf Board remains committed to safeguarding Waqf properties and ensuring that such sensitive matters are handled with responsibility and humanity. He appealed to the public to maintain calm and cooperate with the authorities, assuring that no individual would be denied the right to burial in accordance with Islamic and humanitarian principles.
The visit and clarification have brought partial relief to local residents, who had earlier expressed serious concern over the incident. However, locals have urged the authorities to implement the promised measures without delay to prevent recurrence of such situations.
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The incident has once again drawn attention to the long-standing issues surrounding the management and upkeep of graveyards in the border district of Poonch. Residents pointed out that the absence of clear demarcation, boundary fencing and written guidelines often leads to misunderstandings and unnecessary disputes at sensitive moments of grief. Community elders stressed that graveyards are sacred spaces meant to uphold dignity, equality and religious harmony, and called for sustained monitoring by the authorities.
Observers believe that the assurances given by the Waqf Board Administrator, if implemented in a time-bound manner, could help restore public confidence and prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future. The local administration is also expected to coordinate closely with the Waqf Board to ensure that burial practices are conducted smoothly, respectfully and without discrimination, in line with both religious traditions and humanitarian values.
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