New Delhi: The police in Delhi on Monday warned the mosque Imams not to pray for the rights of Palestinians, and threatened to take action if they do so, according to a report published in Zee News.
The move comes amid the ongoing bombardment on Gaza by Israel, which has killed more than 11,500 Palestinians in the last 33 days.
According to another similar report by Urdu Daily Inquilab, the police intervened when prayers were being offered for Palestine in a mosque in Old Delhi and pressurised the Imam not mention Palestine in duas.
However, the city police’s notice, warning of potential consequences for mentioning Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza in speeches, has sparked criticism.
Bahujan Samaj Party MP Danish Ali, All India Muslim Personal Law Board spokesperson and Welfare Party of India national president Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, and lawyer MR Shamshad have denounced the police notice, asserting that the police action is completely wrong and the praying for the victims is an integral part of worship in Islam.
Muslim leaders argue that the directive infringes upon religious freedom.
This development occurs as mosques worldwide join in Palestine solidarity, with Friday prayers witnessed speeches and prayers dedicated to the Palestinian cause.
