Several prominent figures of the city, including retired civil servants, film-makers, historians, labour rights activists and Muslim leaders, on Tuesday called upon the Divisional Commissioner (Gurugram) seeking amicable solution to the opposition over offering namaz in open spaces in the city.
‘Unconstitutional’
A two-page memorandum bearing names of over a hundred citizens was also submitted to Divisional Commissioner D. 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 those offering namaz at current locations.
The memorandum also termed the demand of the right-wing groups “unconstitutional” and “against basic constitutional values and rights”. It said that there was a fear among Muslim residents and that it is Haryana government’s primary responsibility to prevent breach in law and order situation.
Management consultant Ishrat Thameem said 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. “Gradually, the administration can merge a few spots to reduce its number to avoid inconvenience to locals and commuters,” suggested Mr. Thameem.
Independent film-maker Rahul Roy suggested that there was a need to build more mosques with an 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.
Advocate Monu Kuhar, who had represented the workers in the high-profile Maruti violence case, contended that the government was bound by the Constitution to ensure freedom to its citizens to practise their religion. Saying that the issue was being blown out of proportion, Mr. Kuhar said that even ‘kanwarias’ and Hindu religious processions disrupted traffic movement.
Labour Rights activist Rakhi Sehgal said that such incidents reflected poorly on the image of Gurugram as Information Technology hub and adversely affected the investors sentiment.
Noted historian and JNU professor (retd.) Harbans Mukhiya said that identification of illegal migrants, if any, was the responsibility of the administration and not the citizens.The citizens raised the issue of insufficient mosques and a sense of fear among the Muslim community. Dr. Suresh assured that the administration would be more vigilant. Making an appeal to the Muslims to show restraint, Dr. Suresh said that the alleged trouble makers were being identified and were being educated on the laws on freedom to practise religion. He said that he would convene a meeting with Waqf Board members and the district police officers in this connection.
A delegation of over a hundred people representing Muslim community also held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and the Commissioner of Police.
“It was decided in the meeting to form a 15-member committee of Muslim leaders and identify the places that can be used for offering Friday namaz . We would prepare the list of the possible spots and hand it over to the district administration,” said Wajid Khan Nehru Yuva Sangathan Welfare Society chairman Hazid Shahzad Khan.
