Several prominents citizens, including retired civil servants, filmmakers, historians, labour rights activists and Muslim leaders, on Tuesday called upon Divisional Commissioner (Gurugram) D.Suresh seeking an amicable solution to the situation arising out of the opposition to offering of namaz in open spaces and making a few suggestions.
A two-page memorandum bearing the names of over a hundred citizens was also submitted to Mr. Suresh expressing concerns and raising four demands including the need to strengthen bonds between residents and provide adequate space for offering namaz, especially with Ramzan round the corner. They also demanded that the administration protect offering of namaz at current locations.
Ishrat Thameem, a management consultant, said that reclaiming Waqf Board properties was a long and tedious process and as a short-term solution the administration must ensure peaceful offering of namaz at current locations which are over hundred in number. “Gradually, the administration can reduce it to lesser number of bigger grounds to avoid inconvenience to locals and commuters,” said Mr. Thameem.
Independent filmmaker Rahul Roy, who was also part of the group, suggested that there was a need to build more mosques with the increase in Muslim population, and not allow the anti-social elements to disrupt prayer congregations. “The locals are anguished and disturbed over the turn of events in the past few days and want the administration to resolve it amicably. The administration is duty bound to do so,” said Mr. Roy.
During the meeting, the citizens raised the issue of insufficient mosques and the sense of fear among the Muslim community. Mr. Suresh said that the administration would be more vigilant and firm on troublemakers. Making an appeal to Muslims to show restraint, Mr. Suresh said that those suspected to create trouble were being identified and educated on the laws on freedom of religion.
