Shahi Imam urges PM to intervene, address concerns of community

New Delhi: The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Delhi, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene to stop "one-sided actions" against Muslims and Islamic places of worship.

In his sermon before the Friday prayer, Bukhari said the motive of surveys of age-old mosques and dargahs and the way in which they were carried out seemed intended to disturb communal harmony by a handful of people. He urged PM Modi to intervene to restore the confidence of Muslims.

Citing the recent violence in Sambhal, Bukhari said the actions of authorities were against the spirit of Constitution and law and order. When the survey was cordially conducted once, where was the need for another survey, he wondered. "Along with officials, there were people who had no relation to the activity. They entered the mosque, raising provocative slogans. It was clear their intention was to cause a riot," he alleged.

Bukhari rued that Muslim youths felt helpless after recent events. "Youngsters worry will there be freedom to practise their religion..."

Stressing that Muslims are being punished for no fault of theirs, Bukhari said PM was their only hope. If needed, he offered to work with govt to address all misconceptions and concerns about the community. "As a citizen, there is no one other than PM we can reach out to. If needed, govt can form a three-member committee of Muslims and have a three-member committee from other communities. We can sit under a minister's supervision to have an open discussion and end all discords once and for all," he suggested.