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State to increase security cover at Makkah Masjid
After the Makkah Masjid blast in 2007, investigators found the existence of house entrances within the compound wall of the mosque and identified it as a potential security threat. They took note of this peculiar aspect, as to why these two houses were having entrances inside the boundary of the mosque. After residents explained that there was no other way from which they would be able to reach
Hyderabad: As part of the enhanced security measures at the historic Makkah Masjid, the State government is all set to acquire two properties within the masjid compound for Rs 2.5 crore, as the residents in the locality have been using the masjid main entrance to reach their houses.
After the Makkah Masjid blast in 2007, investigators found the existence of house entrances within the compound wall of the mosque and identified it as a potential security threat. They took note of this peculiar aspect, as to why these two houses were having entrances inside the boundary of the mosque.
After residents explained that there was no other way from which they would be able to reach houses, the issue was put in cold storage.
However, the issue was again taken up recently by the administration of Makkah Masjid after it was found that one of the houses has been turned into a godown by businessmen, heightening the risk. “
Hence we have decided to completely secure the compound wall as part of security measures,” said M A Shadier Siddiqui, superintendent of Makkah Masjid.
When the proposal was forwarded to the government, it took a decision by issuing a Government Order towards acquiring the houses. As per the G O No.155 released on July 19, two houses (273.11 sq yards) and (135 sq yards) whose entrance opens only inside the Makkah Masjid will be acquired.
The Finance Department issued Budget Release Order Rs 2.47 crores to the Minority Welfare Department in this regard. “The district collector will be visiting along with officials to measure the houses.
They will be taking a decision as to when the compensation should be handed over to residents,” added the superintendent. About a century ago, the Makkah Masjid was surrounded by Devdis (Royal Mansions).
Sir Vicar-ul-Umra, the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad and uncle of Nizam VI, Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur, who built the Falaknuma palace, was living adjacent to the mosque on the northern side.
He had to take a detour of the entire structure to offer prayers, as his gates opened towards Charminar. After he became old, he requested the authorities (Mir Osman Ali Khan, Last Nizam) to permit him to open a door inside the mosque for easy access.
A firman was issued and decision was taken by the then authorities. However, he opened two doors from the northern side of the mosque for his own convenience. After he died, his descendants decided to sell away the property by plotting the land.
Even though the property was sold, the two doors continued to have their opening towards the mosque, without any exit on the other side.
By:Md Nizamuddin
