In the heart of Chenab Valley, nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, lies the town of Thathri. While it may be a bustling hub today, with its own unique charm and allure, the story of Thathri's transformation from a tranquil expanse of agricultural land to a thriving town is intricately tied to the life and legacy of Ali Mohammad, affectionately known as Waaz Khan.
Waaz Khan, born as Ali Muhammad in the Tral area of Kashmir, was a man of humble beginnings. Lacking formal education, he possessed a profound spiritual depth that drew people from far and wide. He found his calling in addressing congregations in the mosques of the erstwhile Doda district, now known as Chenab Valley. His unassuming demeanor and heartfelt sermons resonated with those who listened.
During the 1960s, Waaz Khan was a nomadic soul, with no fixed abode to call his own, as he left Tral and reached Doda region. As a spiritual personality, he traversed the length and breadth of Doda district, visiting various mosques and the homes of locals. It was during this wandering phase that fate led him to a generous soul, Maqbool Ahmed, a contractor, residing in present day upper Thathri.
In a remarkable act of benevolence, Maqbool Ahmed gifted Waaz Khan a piece of land in Thathri. At the time, Thathri was a sparsely populated region, primarily used for agriculture by the people from upper areas like Tipri, Badanoo, Dabranoo, Phagsoo, and more. Waaz Khan became the first to establish a residence in this untamed land.
As time passed, the seeds of settlement that Waaz Khan had sown began to bear fruit. Many others followed his lead and built their homes in Thathri. Waaz Khan's influence extended beyond his mere presence; he delivered religious sermons, taught people to read the Quran, and despite his lack of formal education, he had committed the entire Quran to memory.
Wali Kith, who had migrated to Thathri from Bunjwah in 1989, vividly remembers the impact of Waaz Khan's spiritual teachings. "Waaz Khan was uneducated, but his religious sermons touched our hearts," he recalls.
Thathri's transformation was accelerated by the influx of people from various areas, like the Dar and Zargar families, in the years following Waaz Khan's arrival. Before the onset of militancy, the town boasted a mere 20-25 families. However, the tumultuous times brought migration, transforming Thathri into a thriving community.
His legacy lives on in the hearts of the people who continue to draw inspiration from his teachings and remember him as the pioneer who transformed Thathri into the vibrant town it is today.