LAWYERS PROTEST, SHOTS OFF LETTER TO PREZ
Prayagraj: A tense situation has arisen in the city after the railway administration issued a notice for demolition of a historical mosque located near the main gate of Prayagraj Junction railway station. In protest against this move, a large group of advocates have mobilized and submitted a memorandum to the President through the District Magistrate. In the memorandum, a demand has been made to immediately cancel the notice and declare the mosque as a historical heritage. Registered in the Waqf Board since 1950. Legal status Presenting solid legal evidence in their memorandum, the advocates said that this mosque is duly registered in the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board at serial number 161 since the year 1950. Advocate Mohammad Hanzla argued that its legal status is well established as it is registered as Waqf property and issuing a notice terming it ‘illegal’ is against the principles of justice and law.
The mosque’s history is linked to Major Shahnawaz Khan and the British period: According to reports, the mosque was built and developed during British rule. It was notably preserved by Major Shahnawaz Khan, a renowned fighter of the Azad Hind Fauj. It is noteworthy that Major Shahnawaz Khan also served as Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Railways during the tenure of independent India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru (1952-1964). Due to this historical connection, the mosque is considered not just a religious site but also a part of the legacy of the freedom struggle.
Main demands of the advocates: The delegation of advocates has demanded immediate intervention of the President on the following points:
Cancellation of notice: The demolition notice should be declared illegal and cancelled with immediate effect. 2. Heritage status: Considering the historical importance of the mosque, it should be preserved as a ‘national heritage’. 3. Protection of rights: Protection of property rights under the Waqf Act should be ensured. 4. Investigation and action: The entire matter should be investigated impartially and the accountability of the concerned officials should be fixed.
Addressing the media after submitting the memorandum, Advocate Mohammad Hanzla stated vehemently that the mosque is a center of faith and tradition in the area, where five-time prayers have been offered uninterruptedly since the British era. They warned that if the administration does not reverse its decision, they will not only approach the High Court but will also be forced to launch a widespread public movement. Currently, security has been tightened at the railway station and surrounding areas, and the local administration is closely monitoring the situation.
