Eid prayers banned at Delhi’s historic Eidgah
New Delhi: Showing complete disregard for religious sentiments of the Muslim community, Indian police authorities have banned upcoming Eid prayers at the historic Shahi Eidgah in the Mehrauli area of Delhi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the decision has stirred concerns, particularly after two appeals made by the Muslim community were dismissed by the police authorities.
“We inquired about the reason for the ban on prayers, but the police did not provide any satisfactory answer,” a member of the Eidgah Committee said.
Maulana Nasruddin, a local religious leader, expressed dismay over the situation, highlighting the historical significance of the Shahi Eidgah and the nearby historic Akhundji Mosque. “The demolition of the Akhundji Mosque and the adjoining madrasa, followed by the Indian police’s ban on prayers, is deeply troubling,” he said.
“The Eidgah has been a place of worship for thousands of people for generations,” Maulana Nasruddin said.
Officials associated with the Shahi Eidgah expressed surprise at the sudden imposition of the ban. “This is the first time such a ban has been enforced here,” said Shaukat, an official. The community is puzzled as to why the ban has been imposed, especially when Eid prayers have been conducted peacefully in the past.
Other community leaders have voiced their concerns over the ban, calling for clarity. The ban on Eid prayers at the Shahi Eidgah has sparked a debate about religious freedom and the preservation of cultural heritage in Mehrauli.
