Commotion in North Corpn House over mosque issue
Walled city councillors object to standing committee chairman’s remark on demolishing new structure.
The House meeting of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation on Monday saw stormy scenes over the Akbarabadi mosque controversy, leading to an adjournment.
Three councillors from the Walled City – Alley Mohammed Iqbal, Imran Hussain and Rakesh Kumar – objected to the observation by the standing committee chairman Yogender Chandolia that the illegal construction at Subhash Park near near Jama Masjid should be demolished.
“The ruling BJP members can’t make such a statement over the issue when the matter is subjudice. The legality of the construction would be decided by the court,” said Iqbal, councillor and chairman of the city zone.
Alley is the son of the Matia Mahal MLA Shoaib Iqbal, who led the construction activity at the site where some ruins – believed to be of the 17th century Akbarabadi Masjid – have been discovered.
Exercise restraint
Despite demands for an apology, Chandolia stuck to his position. The din forced an adjournment of the House.
Meanwhile, Delhi's Lieutenant General Tejendra Khanna took a meeting of key officials and MLAs, urging restraint and respect for the High Court order.
Delhi's power minister Haroon Yusuf, MLA Shoaib Iqbal, Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid, officials from Archaeological Survey of India, Delhi Police and Vishwa Hindu Parishad attended the meeting.
Delhi Police were represented by police commissioner Neeraj Kumar, special commissioner (law and order) Dharmender Kumar and joint commissioner (central) Taj Hussain.
According to available information, the police commissioner complained that public property had been damaged and policemen injured due to irresponsible acts of some persons.
The reference was to violence on Saturday night.
“Such provocative actions need to be checked so that the situation does not escalate in the negative direction,” Kumar reportedly said.
Kumar was assured full cooperation in maintaining harmony.
Shoaib Iqbal is known to have requested at the meeting that people should be allowed to offer namaz, but the LG cited court orders which prohibit any congregation at the place.
Khanna asked police to keep a strong vigil at the site and deal sternly with any miscreants who try to disrupt harmony.
North Corporation mayor Mira Aggarwal, VHP general secretary Satender Mohan, vice president Om Prakash Singhal and Delhi Waqf Board's Mateen Ahmed were at the Raj Niwas meeting.
BJP appeal
Bharatiya Janata Party's Delhi Pradesh president Vijender Gupta too has appealed to all the people of Delhi to maintain peace.
“Delhi is mini India. Till the ASI produces an authentic report about the remains at the site, it is the responsibility of the home ministry to maintain vigil, law and order and deal sternly with unruly elements,” he said.
Gupta blamed Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Delhi Government for the deterioration of law and order.
He said had the atmosphere would not have vitiated had the government arranged sufficient police force immediately in view of the gravity and sensitivity of the case, and prevented violation of the law.
