Mecca, Shahi Masjid caught in official mess

Devotees and the faithful were back as places of worship reopened following Unlock-1 guidelines on Monday amid a rise in coronavirus cases. However, the gates of Mecca Masjid and Shahi Masjid, Public Gardens, remained closed due to red-tapism.

The devout, who were wearing masks, were allowed into the premises only after sanitizing their hands and conducting body temperature check with a thermal scanner.

Managements of religious places turned away elderly persons, pregnant women and children below 10 years in compliance with the Covid-19 guidelines.

Inside mosques, prayer mats were removed and toilets were closed. Worshipers were asked to make ablution at their homes and also offer nonobligatory salah (prayers).

Mecca Masjid and Shahi Masjid did not open as their custodians did not receive any directions from the Minorities Welfare Department.These mosques come under the direct management of the Department, while the remaining mosques are supervised by the Wakf Board.

Superintendent of Mecca Masjid, Moulana Abdul

Quadeer Siddiqui, said that he was waiting for directions from the District Minorities Welfare Officer.

He said that he had addressed a letter seeking directions and had also sent a list of required items for safety measures. However, no official correspondence was received by him.

It is learnt that no government official wants to shoulder individual responsibility and is seeking directions from higher authorities.

● MECCA MASJID and Shahi Masjid did not open as their custodians did not receive any directions from the Minorities Welfare Department.