Gurugram : Amid the controversy triggered by the withdrawal of permission for namaz from eight sites, the Gurugram district administration has said that it can revoke permission given to offer namaz at other sites if objections are received from locals.
The district authorities on November 2 had revoked permission to offer namaz on Nakhrola Road, at Ramgarh, Kherki Majra, and Daultabad villages, Jakranda Marg, Surat Nagar Phase -1, DLF Phase -3, and Bengali Basti areas based on complaints received from locals.
However, the administration has assured the Muslim community that more places will be identified to let the people offer Namaz in the open after deliberations between community leaders.
A committee, comprising the SDM, ACP, members of Hindu and Muslim communities, and civil society groups, has been formed to resolve the issue. The administration also assured that security will be provided for the members of the Muslim community facing threats while offering prayers.
Nehru Yuva Sangathan Welfare Society Charitable Trust chief Wajid Khan suggested 90 places where namaz can be offered.
The cancellation of permission to offer namaz at eight sites has led to resentment among the Muslim community. Members of the community complained that some right-wing organisations and locals were threatening them. Protests were reported in Sector 12A and Sector 47 last month.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi termed the withdrawal of permission and protests as an ‘anti-Muslim move’. “Protests against Friday namaz in Gurgaon are a perfect case of how radicalised these protesters have become. It’s plain hatred towards Muslims. How’s practising my faith or offering Jumah namaz once a week for 15-20 mins hurting anyone?” Owaisi tweeted.
Locals, including residents of various societies in Gurugram, who organised themselves under Sanyukt Hindu Sangharsh Samiti, have been protesting for the last three months against the blocking of roads, parks, and public places during namaz.
The members of the organisation also met Deputy Commissioner Yash Garg and told him that they would continue to oppose namaz at all the designated sites as the practice has been inconveniencing people.
They also said that the people offering namaz on the roads are outsiders and often loiter in the residential areas after the namaz is over.
Amid the controversy, a Govardhan Pooja was held at one of the sites for which permission was cancelled on Friday. The pooja was also attended by BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who told Muslims to offer prayers at their religious sites. “The Waqf boards have enough plots to make the arrangements for prayers. Roads should not be blocked in the name of religion,” Kapil Mishra said. There are 22 big mosques in Gurugram.
Locals said that the practice of offering prayers in the open started two years ago and the number of people who offer namaz on roads has increased.
Members of the Muslim community said that the mosques are inadequate and cannot accommodate all. The location of many mosques is also not convenient for everyone.
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