For over 12 years, the historic Jama Masjid at Khatikatalab in Jammu has remained an incomplete promise, its reconstruction stalled despite its profound cultural and religious significance. This mosque, a symbol of Jammu’s pluralistic heritage, stands neglected while the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board manages assets worth crores and the Union Territory government debates the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The failure to restore this landmark reflects a troubling apathy among those with the power to act.
The Jama Masjid is more than a place of worship; it embodies communal harmony in a region often marked by tension. Yet, its prolonged disrepair raises questions about the Waqf Board’s priorities. With access to substantial funds, why has the mosque’s reconstruction not been expedited? Are resources being misallocated, or is bureaucratic inefficiency to blame? Transparency in the board’s operations is essential to address these concerns.
Meanwhile, the UT government and opposition parties are consumed by the Waqf Bill controversy. While the bill’s implications warrant discussion, the political sparring has sidelined the urgent need to complete the mosque’s construction. Opposition leaders, vocal in criticizing the bill, remain silent on practical solutions for Khatikatalab. This selective focus highlights a broader issue: political agendas often overshadow community welfare.
The incomplete Jama Masjid reflects a systemic neglect of cultural and religious sites across India. In Jammu and Kashmir, where such sites carry deep emotional weight, this delay risks alienating a community that views the mosque as a symbol of identity. The Waqf Board must prioritize the mosque’s completion, conducting a transparent audit of its funds to ensure resources are allocated effectively. The UT government should streamline coordination to remove bureaucratic hurdles, while political leaders must shift from divisive rhetoric to advocating for tangible progress.
Restoring the Jama Masjid is not just about completing a building; it is about preserving a shared heritage and fostering unity. All stakeholders—Waqf Board, government, and civil society—must act swiftly to revive this symbol of Jammu’s pride. Another decade of neglect is unthinkable. The time to restore the mosque’s lost glory is now, before it becomes a forgotten relic of unfulfilled promises.
