Muslims demolish parts of mosques to widen road

The demolition was taken place to facilitate widening of roads for the upcoming Kumbh Mela

Setting an example of communal harmony, Muslims have demolished mosques to facilitate widening of roads for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, a religious congregation on the banks of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarswati river in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad town.

According to Allahabad Development Authority (ADA) officials, major portions of two mosques, which obstructed the widening work, were demolished by the Muslims on Tuesday.

"Members of the Muslim community, including clerics and caretakers, demolished parts of two mosques in Rajruppur and Civil Lines areas of the town," said a senior ADA official in Allahabad.

The authority had earlier identified the two mosques for demolition while undertaking the road-widening work.

The ADA officials said that some members of the Muslim community suggested that the demolition work be left to them to avoid any tension.

"We readily agreed to the suggestion. On Tuesday, they did the job without any trouble," the official added.

In fact, the caretaker of one of the mosques, known as Tirpal wali masjid in the Civil Lines area, Abdul Quddus, joined other members of his community in demolishing parts of the mosque.

"We also want to join others in welcoming the pilgrims here on the occasion of Kumbh, which is scheduled to be held early next year....it is our duty to ensure that the city is ready to hold the religious event," he said.

Road-widening work is going on in full swing at Allahabad and a few temples are also likely to be demolished for the same, sources said.