Qazi Khalikurrahman says religious sites should not be disturbed:Calls for equal treatment in Ujjain, warns of protest if concerns ignored

In Ujjain on Friday, City Qazi Khalikurrahman addressed members of the Muslim community at Jama Masjid. Referring to the road-widening and development works being carried out for the upcoming Simhastha, he appealed that religious places should not be disturbed. Speaking to the media, the City Qazi said the issue was not new and had been continuing for a long time. He said the Muslim community has always fulfilled its responsibilities and has never been an enemy of anyone. He added that the community deserves equal treatment and has always honoured its commitments. The Qazi also said there was resentment within the community. He warned that if their concerns were not understood and addressed, the community might be compelled to stage protests and demonstrations in the future. A large number of members of the Muslim community were present during the Qazi’s address. Muslim community apprehensive of injustice The Qazi said that given the current circumstances, the Muslim community fears it may face injustice. He said there had been occasions in the past when responsible authorities made several promises but failed to fulfil them. Despite this, he added, the Muslim community had always kept its word. “Our primary demand is that everyone should be treated equally. It should not happen that one side is given greater importance while another is given less. Similar situations in the past have caused losses, and there is a possibility of such circumstances arising again,” he said. Mosques, shrines and temples have also been affected The City Qazi said religious sites should not be interfered with in any manner. He stated that in the past, mosques, shrines and temples had all been affected, whereas earlier such places had never been disturbed. Therefore, he said, the same approach should continue now as well. He stressed that the issue was not limited to the Muslim community alone but was linked to the city’s culture, harmony and brotherhood. According to him, creating such circumstances would not be appropriate for the city’s cultural fabric.