By TCN Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: In a bid to control the spreading resentment among Muslims in Delhi following the demolition of an old mosque near Nizamuddin area in the National Capital, the administration today allowed prayers at the site of the mosque demolished yesterday by the state government’s Delhi Development Authority.
DDA officials demolished the mosque in the wee hours yesterday only to face strong protest from the locals as the news spread with sun rising. Several thousand people came on to the street to protest the demolition, causing heavy traffic jam on Ashram-Nezamuddin road and connecting roads. In protest, hundreds of Muslims offered prayers in front of Nizamuddin Police station.
Local resident performing prayer in front of the police station protesting against “illegal action”
Locals protesting demolition of the mosque in Jangpura area near Nezamuddin
While various Muslim religious leaders have strongly condemned the demolition, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid warned the state government that if the matter was not sorted out by today, he will lead Juma prayer on the site of the mosque. All through the day yesterday the police did not allow Muslims to reach the site to offer prayers. However, sensing the trouble, the officials today allowed locals to offer prayers on the site with two conditions: Only locals will be allowed to offer prayers; and their number must not exceed 50.
According to reports coming, Muslim political leaders including local MLAs are holding meeting to find out a solution.