Aligarh administration bans namaz and Hanuman Chalisa recitation on roads
In Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh, people will no longer be seen offering namaz or reciting Hanuman Chalisa on the streets, courtesy an order by the district administration. The administration has put a ban on performing religious activities on the roads, sensing it might lead to communal tensions in the city. The order extends to Friday namaz too, reports TOI. Here are more details.
Religious activities on roads prompted administration to act
Reportedly, the district administration took the decision after some Hindu groups started performing maha aarti and recited Hanuman Chalisa on streets. They did so on every Tuesday and Saturday of this month. Apparently, this was being done to respond to Muslims offering namaz. These activities led to chaos, and there were chances it could snowball into something huge, hence, the administration stepped in.
If Muslims can offer namaz, why can't Hindus pray: BJP-leader
Speaking about Hanuman Chalisa and aarti recitation on roads, Manav Mahajan, general secretary of BJP's Aligarh unit, said, "If one community can block the road for offering namaz, then why can't the Hindus perform maha aarti on roads?" Mahajan added Hindus don't block roads as they have temples. However, when temples get crowded, the devotees spill on the streets.
But, Mahajan also said roads should be used for commuting
Further, Mahajan said he was thankful that some people started this tradition to counter those who offer namaz on streets. "At least this is an issue for debate now," he said and added that roads are for traveling and not for offering prayers. As it turns out, former Aligarh mayor from BJP, Shakuntala Bharti, also took part in a Hanuman Chalisa recitation last Saturday.
From now on, permission will be needed for such activities
Anticipating trouble due to the actions of citizens, the administration passed an order. Confirming the same, Aligarh DM CB Singh said prior permission will be required to perform religious activities on roads. This includes Friday namaz. However, the ban will not be applicable on certain occasions like Eid prayers, as a large number of people gather at one spot for it.
Follow your religion, but not on roads: Singh
Explaining the rationale behind this decision, Singh said everyone has the freedom to practise their religion, but roads aren't the place for it. These activities can affect law and order situation, especially since some areas are communally sensitive. "I spoke to representatives of organizations that indulged in such activities in the recent past and told them about the sensitivity of the issue," Singh added.
