"No one is allowed to hold any religious prayers in public," says: Haryana CM Khattar

The state is arranging necessary arrangements at certain places for the community where they can perform namaz

Haryana: Taking notes from the riots of offering namaz in the public Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar denies every community not to hold religious prayers in public places. Chief Minister told the state assembly amid objections by several Hindu groups to Friday prayers by Muslims in open in Gurugram.

While giving a response to the Nuh Congress MLA Aftab Ahmed raising the issue of objection by Hindu groups during Zero Hour in the House, CM Khattar said, people of all faiths hold prayers at designated religious places like temples, mosques, gurdwaras and churches and permissions are given for all big festivals and programmes in open.

“But by displaying a show of strength which provokes sentiments of another community is not appropriate,” Mr Khattar said as Mr Ahmed raised the issue.

During the winter session of the Haryana assembly, it is the third time the namaz issue was discussed.

The MLA from the main opposition party said, “Some elements are repeatedly disrupting Friday prayers. The Constitution gives the right to practice one's religion. No one has the right to disrupt prayers. In Gurugram, thousands of crores of investment have been pumped in and the city is a symbol of development. What message will be sent out from Gurugram if one cannot offer prayers as per one's choice?”

“No member of any community should hold such programmes in open spaces. If they have to hold them, they should do so in temples, mosques, gurdwaras and churches. It is the responsibility of all to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and to see that there is no confrontation in society,” the CM said, intervening.

Mr Khattar added that the state is arranging necessary arrangements at certain places for the community where they can perform namaz and Friday prayers in Gurugram.

“But in routine, daily or weekly (prayers), there are designated places. And where there is confrontation by offering prayers in open spaces, things should be resolved amicably,” he said.

Mr Ahmed said 'eidgahs' and mosques should be freed from illegal encroachments in Gurugram “so that our community members are not forced to offer prayers in open. Thousands of Muslims come to Gurugram in search of employment and there is not enough space for them to offer prayers.” He told Mr Khattar that protecting minorities' rights is his responsibility.