New Delhi: The issue of conservation of the Race Course Mosque and the adjacent graveyard has been raised with the Central Government. A delegation of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind met Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and demanded to ensure the protection of these religious and historical properties. The organization submitted a detailed memorandum to the minister in this regard and requested to call for a report from the concerned authorities and get the legal status of the properties investigated before any possible action.
The delegation was led by Maulana Muhammad Hakimuddin Qasmi, general secretary of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. The memorandum was presented by the organization’s president Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani. In this, mentioning the religious, historical and legal importance of the mosque and the cemetery, an appeal was made to take immediate steps for their conservation.
Reference to mention of mosque in government records
According to Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, important documents related to the Race Course Mosque located behind the Safdarjung Tomb are present in government records. The organization in its memorandum cited the heritage list of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the Delhi Gazette 1977 and the revised list of the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.
The memorandum claimed that the mosque is mentioned at serial number 22 in the heritage list of NDMC, while it is mentioned at serial number 18 in the Delhi Gazette. The organization has also said that the identity of the concerned property will be recorded in the list of the ministry. On the basis of these documents, Jamiat demanded that the related government records should be thoroughly investigated and the legal status of the mosque and the cemetery should be clarified. Independent verification of these claims and examination of official records will be important to understand the status of this matter.
Concern over movement of Namazis and basic facilities
The delegation also expressed concern about the current condition of the mosque. According to the memorandum of the organization, restrictions have been imposed on the movement of worshipers there and the issue of stopping the supply of basic facilities like water and electricity has also been raised. Jamiat also expressed apprehension that action may be taken to demolish the properties concerned.
The organization requested the government not to take any such step till the investigation of the matter is completed, which may cause damage to the mosque or the cemetery and which cannot be compensated. The memorandum also said that before taking any decision, compliance with applicable laws, relevant documents and judicial orders should be ensured.
Jamiat also demanded movement of namazis and restoration of facilities like water and electricity. However, it is also necessary to present the stand of the concerned government departments on the circumstances related to these restrictions and facilities.
Kiren Rijiju assured of every possible effort
Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind urged Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to take immediate cognizance of the matter and obtain a detailed report from the concerned authorities. The organization specifically sought factual information from the Delhi Waqf Board and NDMC, so that the records and legal status related to the property could be assessed.
According to the delegation, after listening to its demands and concerns, the Minister assured to make every possible effort from his side in the matter. However, available information does not mention any formal government order, timeline for the investigation, or a final decision regarding the assets. The Jamiat said it would use legal and other legitimate options available to preserve the mosque and the graveyard. The organization emphasizes that these properties should be conserved keeping in mind their religious and historical importance.