Jawad threatens stir on July 28

IMAMBADA ISSUE Cleric warns SP govt of poor results in 2017 elections if demands not met

THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE ASSURED ME OF MAINTAINING THE SANCTITY OF IMAMBADAS BUT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING

KALBE JAWAD, shia cleric

LUCKNOW: The battle for control over city Imambadas has entered a new phase. Stepping up the ante against chairman of Shia Waqf Board Waseem Rizvi, Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad has warned the Samajwadi Party government of poor results in 2017 elections if the demands of the Shias are not met.

In a press conference at the Press Club here on Sunday, besides re peating his old demands of setting up CBI inquiry against Rizvi and imposing a dress code in Imamabadas, Jawad said that Waseem Rizvi had sold properties worth millions in Saharnapur alone. One could imagine what he might have done in other parts of the state. He said the cut must have gone to others too and accused the Samajwadi Party government of promoting corruption.

Jawad said if the demand of setting up a CBI inquiry against Waseem Rizvi was not met, he would lead a huge demonstration in Hazratganj on July 28, to demand justice. He said the Imabadas were unlocked as a mark of respect for the high court but district administration was yet to fulfil its promises.

He said Imambadas were not tourist spots but religious places, so their control must lie in the hands of Shias. He said he was also in favour of imposing a dress code like the Jama Masjid, so that girls could not visit Imambadas in skirts or other dresses. They would have to cover themselves to visit the place.

Over the issue of Shia women sitting on dharna in Chhota Imambada, Jawad said he could not intervene in the matter. They would call off the dharna as soon as their demands were met.

Jawad also assailed the district administration for backtracking on many issues. “The district magistrate assured me of maintaining the sanctity of Imambadas but has not done anything. By placing a few boards, the issue would not be solved. The administration will have to take action against those breaking the dress code of Imambadas,” he said.

The Maulana said that even the chief minister was not concerned about the problems that the Muslims faced or else he would have intervened and solved the matter. He said the Samajwadi Party government had worked against Hindus, Muslims and even Yadavs. Only a handful of people had benefited from this government.

Mean while, the women protestors continued their stir on Sunday too and did not allow the tourists to enter the Chhota Imambada.