New Delhi: A group of people tried to forcibly enter ASI-protected mosques in South Delhi to offer Friday prayers but were prevented by police as the practice is barred in such monuments classified by the body under the category of "non-living heritage structures".
The people, who were stopped from entering the Jamali Kamali mosque by police today, however refused to leave and offered prayers along the road outside the monument in Mehrauli, an official with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said.
Some people also tried to enter the Qutub Minar mosque to offer prayers but were stopped by the police. They later offered prayers at a mosque outside the monument and demanded that ASI's Delhi Circle Chief KK Mohammad be suspended.
The incidents came a week after a group of people forced their way into four protected monuments, including the Jamali Kamali and Qutub Minar mosques, and held Friday prayers inside the heritage structures, forcing ASI to lodge a police complaint.
The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Shah Bukhari had threatened to enter the heritage structures with other worshippers and court arrest if stopped.
People are not allowed to hold prayers inside "non-living heritage structures" protected by the ASI.
However, a group backed by Delhi Wakf board chairman Matin Ahmed, has maintained that prayers have been held at the site for a long time.
"Mosques are for offering namaz and we have strong objection on people's entry being restricted by tickets and other limitations," Bukhari said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, July 31, 2009, 15:21