Maulana Sayam Mehndi calls for stronger security measures and stricter action against provocative elements
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
LUCKNOW — An important meeting of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, held on Thursday, addressed several pressing issues facing the community, with religious leaders emphasising the need for stronger protection of religious sites and properties. The meeting, chaired by Maulana Sayam Mehndi, was attended by key figures, including prominent Shia religious leader Maulana Yasob Abbas.
Maulana Yasob Abbas voiced deep concerns over the increasing number of incidents targeting religious places. “Religious places are symbols of our religion and culture, their desecration not only hurts religious sentiments but also poses a threat to our Ganga-Jamuni culture,” he remarked. Abbas’s comments reflect a growing unease within the Shia community about the rising intolerance and disrespect towards their places of worship.
Maulana Sayam Mehndi further highlighted the alarming rise of anti-social elements engaging in provocative acts. “There has been a noticeable increase in incidents where slogans are written on the walls of religious places, religious flags are being put up in a provocative manner, and loudspeakers are misused to incite tensions,” he said. He strongly called for strict action against these disruptive elements, stressing the importance of maintaining public peace and communal harmony. The board also made an appeal to local authorities to enforce heightened security measures during religious processions to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the growing issue of illegal encroachments on Waqf properties. Maulana Sayam Mehndi expressed his concerns, saying, “Waqf properties are our collective heritage. It is our responsibility to protect them.” The board’s displeasure over the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was also evident, with Maulana Yasob Abbas urging the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to consult organisations that are directly related to Waqf matters. “The opinion of organisations with no connection to Waqf should not be considered,” he added, pointing to the need for more informed and inclusive deliberations.
In a positive development, the board welcomed the recent Supreme Court ruling that sanctioned a survey of mosques, viewing it as a step towards ensuring religious freedom and upholding sectarian harmony. Maulana Sayam Mehndi called the decision a “positive step” towards safeguarding the community’s rights.
The board also addressed global issues affecting the community, particularly the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Syria. Maulana Yasob Abbas condemned the attacks on Gaza, stating, “The loss of innocent lives in Gaza is tragic, and the international community must take action to protect holy places and the Shia community in Syria.” The board called on the United Nations and human rights organisations to step up their efforts to ensure the protection of religious sites and Shia communities in conflict zones.
The meeting concluded with a call for collective action. The board appealed to the administration, society, and all religious communities to come together to protect religious sites, safeguard Waqf properties, and maintain peace in the country. “All communities must work together to preserve communal harmony and uphold human rights,” the board stated.
The meeting, attended by Maulana Zaheer Abbas, Maulana Anwar Hussain Rizvi, Maulana Ijaz Athar, and other prominent religious figures, left a clear message: unity and collaboration are essential for the protection of religious heritage and the preservation of peace in society.
