05-28-2005, 07:27 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Wakf go-slow for Imam's sake? </b>
Rajesh Kumar / New Delhi
In a bid to avoid confrontation with Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Wakf Board seems to be dragging its feet on implementing the Delhi High Court's decision of vesting authority in the Centre and the Wakf Board for the upkeep and maintenance of the historic Jama Masjid.
Following the ensuing debate in the court over the ownership of Jama Masjid, Delhi Wakf Board chairman Mateen Ahmed on Saturday said that the Board is in no hurry to take a decision on the Shahi Imam.
"The Board has no problem with the Imam," he said, adding, "We will decide our future action in our next Wakf Board meeting."
However, the Wakf is wary about involving the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in maintaining Jama Masjid.
Expressing concern on the issue, he said, "We would like ASI to consult us before initiating its conservation plan. <b>The Muslim community will not allow the historic monument to be handed over to ASI or any individual, including the Shahi Imam," </b>he added.
Refuting <b>Syed Bukhari's claim that Muslims will launch a nationwide agitation if Jama Masjid is declared a protected monument, the Wakf Board chairman said the political significance of the Shahi Imam has faded away and Muslims no longer follow his 'fatwas'.</b>
"For instance, Bukhari has been issuing farman (instructions) against Shoaib Iqbal for the last three Assembly elections, <b>but Muslims have ignored his calls and voted heavily for Shoaib." </b>he said.
The Board is flooded with complaints against the Shahi Imam and his alleged misuse of the position.
"In 1970, the board was gazetted and the present Imam's grandfather was our employee who received Rs 501 as nazrana," Mr Ahmed added.
According to Ahmed, the Muslim community is apprehensive that if the Jama Masjid is declared a protected monument, the movement of people would be restricted, since as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, the Masjid would have to be closed by 5 pm, thus, depriving people from offering their evening prayers.
<b>"People also apprehend that the Government will impose an entry fee, making the Masjid out of reach of a majority of Muslims,"</b> he added.
However, ASI has made it clear that it is ready to make adequate provisions to protect people's religious rights.
<b>Muslims in Old Delhi are divided over the issue. Shopkeepers and residents in and around the Masjid support the Imam. The reason is simple. Once the monument is declared protected, shops within the 300 metre range will have to be removed.</b>
There is a section of Muslims which feels that Bukhari should treat the issue like other Imams and the Masjid should be handed over to Wakf Board.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Rajesh Kumar / New Delhi
In a bid to avoid confrontation with Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Wakf Board seems to be dragging its feet on implementing the Delhi High Court's decision of vesting authority in the Centre and the Wakf Board for the upkeep and maintenance of the historic Jama Masjid.
Following the ensuing debate in the court over the ownership of Jama Masjid, Delhi Wakf Board chairman Mateen Ahmed on Saturday said that the Board is in no hurry to take a decision on the Shahi Imam.
"The Board has no problem with the Imam," he said, adding, "We will decide our future action in our next Wakf Board meeting."
However, the Wakf is wary about involving the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in maintaining Jama Masjid.
Expressing concern on the issue, he said, "We would like ASI to consult us before initiating its conservation plan. <b>The Muslim community will not allow the historic monument to be handed over to ASI or any individual, including the Shahi Imam," </b>he added.
Refuting <b>Syed Bukhari's claim that Muslims will launch a nationwide agitation if Jama Masjid is declared a protected monument, the Wakf Board chairman said the political significance of the Shahi Imam has faded away and Muslims no longer follow his 'fatwas'.</b>
"For instance, Bukhari has been issuing farman (instructions) against Shoaib Iqbal for the last three Assembly elections, <b>but Muslims have ignored his calls and voted heavily for Shoaib." </b>he said.
The Board is flooded with complaints against the Shahi Imam and his alleged misuse of the position.
"In 1970, the board was gazetted and the present Imam's grandfather was our employee who received Rs 501 as nazrana," Mr Ahmed added.
According to Ahmed, the Muslim community is apprehensive that if the Jama Masjid is declared a protected monument, the movement of people would be restricted, since as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, the Masjid would have to be closed by 5 pm, thus, depriving people from offering their evening prayers.
<b>"People also apprehend that the Government will impose an entry fee, making the Masjid out of reach of a majority of Muslims,"</b> he added.
However, ASI has made it clear that it is ready to make adequate provisions to protect people's religious rights.
<b>Muslims in Old Delhi are divided over the issue. Shopkeepers and residents in and around the Masjid support the Imam. The reason is simple. Once the monument is declared protected, shops within the 300 metre range will have to be removed.</b>
There is a section of Muslims which feels that Bukhari should treat the issue like other Imams and the Masjid should be handed over to Wakf Board.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->