Activists welcome move on mosque restoration

Hyderabad: The activists and politicians who took up the issue of demolished 'religious structures' at Amberpet welcomed the steps being towards the razed structure recorded in Gazette notifications. Following nod from authorities about restoration of demolished Majid-e-ek Khan and Ashurkhana Hazrat Abbas (Amberpet), works began at the site.

Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali, who faced flak from other leaders, over his statements that a grand mosque would be constructed 'at a different location' later succumbed to the pressure. Following consultation with higher officials of GHMC, TS Wakf Board about the feasibility, he reportedly agreed for restoring the structures.

He informed that he had a meeting with GHMC Commissioner Dana Kishore, Wakf Board CEO Shahnawaz Qasim and other officials. At the meeting, it was decided that a 'grand masjid' would be constructed at the same place soon. This he said reflects the TRS government stand to respect all the religions equally.

MBT leader Amjedullah Khan, Congress leader and Wakf Activist Osman-Al-Hajri and local MIM leaders appreciated the efforts of the authorities after works of reconstruction were initiated on Sunday. It may be mentioned here that The Hans India has following the developments closely and is the only English paper to highlight the issue on first day.

Speaking to The Hans India, Osman-Al-Hajri said that the GHMC tried to hush up the matter and made grounds to initiate their plans, but because of the objections raised from different quarters across the political spectrum, the matter was well highlighted.

Following protests on Friday, Wakf Board Chairman Md Saleem assured that the structure would be built at the same spot. "But statements from Home Minister pained the community who had to retract his statements and announce that the mosque will be built at the same spot. It is the win for the righteous," he noted.

It may be mentioned here that in Thursday wee hours, GHMC demolished Masjid and Ashoorkhana in 419 sq yards and 359 sq yards areas respectively, allegedly after paying a claimant more than Rs 2 crore. By Friday, the issue got widespread attention and agitated the community. Several leaders representing different organisations besides Amberpet's local leaders held dharna at Haj House.

MIM leader from Amberpet, Mohammed, Congress leader and Wakf Activist, Osman Al Hajri, Md Shareef, Samad, Farooq and others were seen arguing with the Wakf Board Chairman.

Syed Ali Jaffry, the Secretary of Shia Companions, also inspected the site which was demolished by the GHMC Town Plaining Deparment for road widening. Md Saleem who held discussions with the leaders assured that a criminal case would booked against those who were involved as it was a Wakf property.