Save Dhanjiboy complex from being vandalized: PDP to J

Srinagar, Nov 30 (UNI) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, today asked the state government to save the Dhanjiboy building at the Residency Road here from being vandalized and declare the complex a heritage site in view of its historical and architectural importance.

In a statement here, a PDP spokesman said the Dhanjiboy building, acquired in 1970s by late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for the Muslim Auqaf Trust (MAT) was clandestinely transferred to Abdullah family, which now wanted to construct a shopping complex over it.

He said the proposed move will not only diprive the city of the valuable heritage asset, but also threaten the livelihood of shopkeepers operating from the complex at present.

Quoting a deputation of the Dhanjiboy Shopkeepers Association, which called on PDP President Mehbooba Mufti here, the spokesman said National Conference leader Dr Mustafa Kamal has applied to the state government, seeking permission to dismantle the old structure and construct a shopping complex at the site.

To prevent the destruction of this historic building, the state government must immediately declare it a heritage site and take steps for its conservation, he added.

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