Pulwama, Dec 19: A half-constructed building in Mitrigam, the native village of Kashmir’s celebrated poet Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor, stands as a stark reminder of an unfulfilled promise to honour one of the Valley’s most influential literary figures. Conceived as a library in the poet’s name, the structure today recounts a story not of literary pride but of neglect and abandonment.
Located around 10 kms from Pulwama town, the building has remained incomplete for nearly two decades. The project, residents say, was initiated in 2006 with much enthusiasm, raising hopes that Mitragam would emerge as a small cultural hub celebrating Mehjoor’s life and legacy.
However, the construction was abruptly halted midway, leaving behind a skeletal structure devoid of windows, doors, or any functional facilities.
With the passage of time, the unfinished building has lost even its symbolic value. Instead of housing books, manuscripts and memorabilia linked to Mehjoor, it is now being used by some locals as a storage space for firewood and other household material.
The sight of the abandoned structure has become a source of quiet embarrassment for villagers, who say the project reflects a broader pattern of official apathy towards Kashmir’s cultural heritage.
“Work on the library was taken up in 2006, but it was left incomplete soon after,” said Khalid Ahmad, grandson of Mehjoor.
“It has been lingering on since then. No one knows why the construction was stopped,” said Ahmad.
He said that people dump garbage on the premises of the building. They also fear that the building could be used by drug addicts as a haven.
The library, however, was not the only project envisaged to commemorate the poet. Residents recall that there were also plans to convert Mehjoor’s ancestral home in the village into a museum that would showcase his writings, personal belongings and contribution to modern Kashmiri poetry. That proposal, too, failed to move beyond the planning stage, further deepening the sense of loss among admirers of the poet.
Often referred to as the “Shayar-e-Kashmir,” Mehjoor played a pivotal role in shaping modern Kashmiri literature, giving voice to the aspirations, struggles and cultural identity of the people.
Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Director of Archaeology and Museums, told Greater Kashmir that the poet’s legal heirs had demanded compensation and alternative land for their house. “Compensation for the house has already been granted. The land has been identified by the revenue authorities in Newa and will soon be transferred to them,” Sidha said.
He added that work on the project would begin once the family is relocated. However, Sidha clarified that the proposed library did not fall under his department’s mandate.