Srinagar:- Following the social media outrage over the destruction of oldest surviving wall murals (Naqashi) at the Khanqah-i-Mualla, the Mayor of Srinagar, Junaid Azim Mattu on Monday visited the oldest shrine and directions the officials to stop the restoration, re-painting, and construction work in the shrine “immediately”.
According to a statement, Mattu assured the prompt action against the officials involved in the “reckless adventurism”
“Will seek an inquiry into reckless adventurism by Tourism Department at one of our foremost heritage sites of great spiritual & sentimental value,” the Mayor Tweeted.
The Tourism Department, Kashmir was allegedly destroying the oldest surviving wall murals (Naqashi) at the Khanqah-i-Mualla by plastering entire walls with Plaster of Paris thus obliterating all old traces.
The issue was initially brought to the fore by Design Director INTACH Kashmir Hakim Sameer Hamdani who tweeted on the issue.
“Today happened to see how in the name of preservation, the oldest surviving example of painted wall murals (naqashi) has been obliterated at Khanqah-i Maulla. Though textual evidence indicate this art form was well established during Mughal rule in Kashmir, yet the oldest surviving example dates from early 19th century on the exterior walls of Nur Khana at Khanqah-i Maulla,” Hamdani wrote on his official Twitter handle.
Mattu was accompanied by senior officers of the corporation. During his tour, the Mayor stressed the preservation of the heritage of the shrine and also directed the concerned officers to ensure proper sanitation in and around the shrine.
Mayor met several delegations who put forth different issues related to sanitation and works.
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