New Delhi, 10 April: Various Muslims organizations and clerics in the country have strongly opposed the decision of a lower court to conduct a survey of the mosque courtyard through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), regarding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.
Muslim organizations said that this decision of the lower court is in violation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisional) Act 1991. The responsibilities of the organizations say that the Act has clearly stated that the status of all mosques, prayers and places of worship built before 1947 will be restored within the country.
Responsibilities of the organizations expressed surprise at the court’s decision and said that the court’s decision was a violation of the 1991 law which would be challenged in the High Court.
On this joint statement, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat President Naved Hamid, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s eminent engineer Saadatullah Hussaini, Jamiat Ahle-Hadith’s emir Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Salfi, All India Milli Council General Secretary Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Ittehad-e-Millat Council President Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan, All India Momin Conference President Advocate Firoz Ahmed, Tamir-e-Millat President Ziauddin Nayyar etc. have signed.
All these Muslim leaders say that after 1991 law, any tampering related to religious places is not in the interest of the country. Any such attempts and conspiracies should be dealt with strictly by the courts and all departments of the government.
They further pointed out that we appeal to all the peace loving people of the country and those who believe in the Constitution to raise their voice against such antics and try to protect the law related to the protection of religious places and its spirit. Preparations are being made to challenge the verdict of the Varanasi lower court in the High Court on behalf of the Gyanvapi Masjid Committee.
βWe strongly support this effort and appeal to all Muslims to respect the instructions and suggestions of the Muslim Personal Law Board on the issue of Gyanvapi Mosque. It should also be taken care that no decision should be given to any person not to benefit socially and politically from this decision,β added one member of the Committee.
