Remove the mazar within 15 days; otherwise the university administration will take action !

Notice issued to remove encroached mazar at Laxmanpuri (Uttar Pradesh)

(Mazar refers to the tomb of an Islamic pir or fakir)

A shrine built by encroachment

Laxmanpuri (Uttar Pradesh) – The administration of King George’s Medical University has recently issued a notice to the Muslim family maintaining a mazar located near Queen Mary Hospital in the chowk area here, directing them to remove the structure. The notice grants a 15-day deadline for removal of the mazar. It clearly states that if the concerned parties fail to remove it themselves, the King George’s Medical University administration will carry out the removal. The notice further mentions that the mazar has been erected through encroachment. It has also been clarified that if the administration undertakes the action, the cost incurred will be recovered from the concerned parties.

Mujavir Mohammad Shakil, who looks after the mazar, stated that it belongs to Sheikh Faridul Haq Shah and that his family has been serving the mazar for many years. He added that an urs (an annual festival held on the death anniversary of a Muslim religious figure) is organised here every year and that permission for the same is granted by the government.

Professor K K Singh, the nodal officer of King George’s Medical University, said that the present Vice-Chancellor had issued orders for the removal of the mazar one and a half years ago. He clarified that the mazar is around 40 years old. (Then what was the university administration doing all these years ? – Editor)

Editorial Perspective

If the mazar is indeed 40 years old, why did the university administration remain inactive for decades ? Such prolonged inaction raises serious questions about administrative accountability.