Members of the Hindu right-wing groups chant communal slogans and sing bhajans as soon as Muslims start prayer, demanding a ban on ‘Open Namaz’
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of Gurugram Sector 47 who are up in arms against ‘open Namaz’ have deferred their protests by at least two weeks following a meeting with the administration on Monday, Indian Express reported.
The RWA said that they have been assured of a possible solution by the District Commissioner within two weeks failing which they would again come out and revive their opposition.
Yash Garg, the Gurgaon DC, said, “I have discussed the matter with the residents. In the coming days, we will have a dialogue with all community members to resolve the issue.”
“We met the DC to discuss our concerns. The DC has asked us to stop the protests for two weeks till Diwali to discuss and resolve the issue. We have requested the officials to shift the location of Friday prayers to an alternate site or a community centre. We will wait and see if the matter is resolved.” Sunil Yadav, president of the RWA was quoted by the Indian Express as saying.
Since September 24, Muslims have been gathering for Friday prayer at one of the designated spots in Sector 47. But members of the Hindu right-wing groups are attempting to disrupt the prayer. They chant communal slogans and sing bhajans as soon as Muslims start prayer, demanding a ban on ‘Open Namaz’.
This has led to increased security presence with placement of barricades to thwart their advance. Police have also asked Muslims to shift a little away to offer prayer.
The RWA alleges that ‘outsiders’ also come there for prayer after which they roam around in the area which, they say, is a security risk. It alleges that the crimes like robbery have gone up but police completely dismiss such claims.
Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manch (GNEM), a citizen’s forum, also wrote a letter to the administration seeking dialogue and an amicable solution to the issue.
“GNEM has always collaborated with the administration in times of distress and we will be happy to assist in resolving the current namaz issue through dialogue in order to ensure that the dignity and rights of people are not compromised,” the letter read.