MINORITY PANEL SUMMONS DEFENCE OFFICIALS OVER MOSQUE

The Minority Commission of Uttar Pradesh has summoned defence authorities of Kanpur on November 13 in connection with the restriction to offer Salat at Bhajjapurwa Mosque. Commission’s Chairman S.M.A. Kazmi, in his directive, has also asked the Defence Secretary at the Centre to enquire into the matter and send some responsible defence officer. In his letter to the Defence Secretary, Mr Kazmi said, “According to facts the Bhajjapurwa Mosque at Kanpur is registered with the Wakf Board and was built by ancestors of late Mohammad Ayyub, ex-soldier of 13th Battalion before the Independence.” He also said, “The truth may be certified immediately and it would be appropriate to restore the mosque vicinity and allow the Muslims of the area to offer Namaz there.” Qazi-e-Shaher Kanpur Mohammad Alam Raza Khan, moved a complaint before the Minority Commission that military authorities of Kanpur Cantonment had stopped the entry of Muslims in the Mosque for offering Namaz. The complainant also alleged that some new constructions were also raised by the military authorities to de-shape the mosque.