Deobandi Muslims disallowed to offer ‘Namaz’ in a rented house in Pithoragarh  

Deobandi Muslims disallowed to offer ‘Namaz’ in a rented house in Pithoragarh
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, March 8
Deobandi Muslim community of Pithoragarh, that wanted to offer ‘Namaz’ (prayers) in a rented house, has requested the administration to allow them to do so. However, the administration has only allowed to have their gatherings and stay in that particular house and didnot gave permission to be used for ‘Namaz’.
“The house, that belongs to one Haji Yaqub, was taken on rent by Deobandi community to allow ‘Jamaat’ gathering there, but we had requested them not to offer ‘Namaz’ there and go to the jama Masjid mosque situated near few ward from there as a large gathering for ‘Namaz’ might result into law and order problem in that locality,” said a police official.
Mohammed Umar, representative of Deobandi community of Islam, said that as the central mosque situated in the town is under administration of Bareilvi Muslim community that does not allow them to offer ‘Namaz’ there being from Deobandi sect.” Keeping in mind feeling of our community, we want to offer ‘Namaz’ in our rented house as well, “said Mohammed Umar
The police had said that till date no one has sought permission from administration to offer ‘Namaz’ in that rented house, that has been taken on rent only to lodge the ‘Jamaat’. “The contract paper, given by Deobandi to the house owner is only for stay of ‘Jamaat’ and not to offer ‘Namaz’, therefore administration has asked them to do as per the contract paper. “No permission is given by police to anyone to offer prayers at any place.
Upon application by the applicant to concerned authority, if the authority asks us we analyse the situation based on maintaining peace and law&order in the society,” said an official.
Mohammad Umar said that they would have no problem if they are allowed to pray in the Jama Masjid controlled by Barelvi sect.