Ensure state observance of Muharram: Muslim leaders

HYDERABAD: The Anjuman-e-Mutawallian, an organisation of custodians of Ashoorkhanas in Telangana, has demanded that chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao declare Muharram (Peerula Azadari) as a state observance. The custodians of Ashoorkhanas met at the historic Badashahi Ashoorkhana on Sunday under the leadership of Mir Abbas Ali Moosvi, president of the Anjuman.The Muslim leaders recalled that KCR soon after coming to power had promised to observe Muharram as a state observance. He had also promised to celebrate Bathukamma and Bonalu as state festivals, they said adding that while the promise on Bathukamma and Bonalu was fulfilled, the one on Muharram is yet to be implemented.They also demanded that the state government earmark 100 crore for repairs and renovation of Ashoorkhanas across the state particularly the historical ones. Ashoorkhanas are popular as Peerla Chude. The government should also allocate special funds for observance of Muharram in districts. They said Muharram has been traditionally observed by people of all communities. It is the best example of unity in diversity, they said adding that 50 per cent of the people connected with Peerla Azadari are farmers and soldiers.The Muslim leaders said many historical Ashoorkhanas in the state particularly in Hyderabad are in dilapidated condition. The Badashahi Ashoorkhana, one of the oldest buildings of Hyderabad, needs urged repairs, they added.