The Wakf Board has asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to refrain from demolishing a mosque for the extension of Highway No 161 at Sultanpur village, Pulkal mandal, in Ranga Reddy district.
A meeting between the Wakf Board and NHAI and Revenue department was held to discuss the matter. Chairman of the Wakf Board Mohammed Saleem clarified that in Islam a mosque is a very sacred place where Muslims perform their prayers and Muslims have very strong sentiments attached to mosques. He said demolition of a Masjid will attract the rage of the community and it is contrary to the
Wakf Act. He asked the officials to explore alternative routes and avoid demolition of the mosque.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Wakf Board, Abdul Hameed, said a religious structure cannot be demolished under any circumstances, and specific permission of the Wakf Board and prior approval of the government is required if there is any such proposal.
The meeting was attended by M Reddaiah, project director, NHAI, Sangareddy, Mohammed Khursheed Ali, manager NH 161, and officials of the Revenue department.