Dehradun, May 19: Political discussions have intensified following Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s strict directive against performing prayers on the streets. In this context, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, Chairman of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board, has expressed his support for the Chief Minister’s statement.
In a conversation, Qasmi stated, “What CM Yogi has said is absolutely correct. He is a saint; a saint not only understands his own religion but also studies other religions. Therefore, I fully support CM Yogi’s assertion that prayers should not be performed on the roads.”
He emphasized, “Prayers should not be held in public spaces or on government property, as these are areas where the general public moves. Emergency vehicles, like ambulances carrying patients, may need to pass through, and delays could jeopardize lives. CM Yogi has also offered good advice that if there is limited space in mosques and more worshippers, prayers can be conducted in shifts. Scholars of Islam should pay attention to this. Prayers should not take place in public spaces or on the roads.”
Qasmi further remarked, “However, it is inappropriate to say that if there are religious processions or activities of other faiths, we should also perform prayers on the streets. So-called leaders of Muslims should properly understand Islam and they will also thank CM Yogi.”
He cited Uttarakhand as an example, stating, “Under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership, prayers are not conducted on the streets anywhere in Uttarakhand. We have made efforts to communicate this to the people. Here, we refer to CM Dhami’s initiatives aimed at uplifting minorities. Several authorities have been established to provide education for minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains, paving the way for their children to become IAS and IPS officers.”
It is noteworthy that earlier, CM Yogi had issued a strict warning against performing prayers on the streets during the occasion of Bakrid, also advising that prayers could be conducted in shifts.
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