Srinagar, Oct 20 (KNO): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed concern over a six-day eviction notice reportedly served to Delhi’s historic Race Course Mosque, questioning the protection of Waqf properties and safeguards for Muslim places of worship.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said Mirwaiz had expressed serious concern over reports that the historic Race Course Mosque in New Delhi, a gazetted Waqf property since 1977 and a listed heritage site, had been served a six-day eviction notice.
In a post on X, Mirwaiz said, “Deeply disturbing that Delhi’s historic Race Course Mosque, a gazetted Waqf property since 1977 and a listed heritage site, faces eviction within six days. Equally alarming is the reported failure of the Waqf authorities to defend it. Is this becoming the new normal for Muslim places of worship? This is precisely why we strongly opposed the Waqf amendments and increased government control through appointed nominees over Muslim religious endowments. If even a legally recognised mosque cannot be protected, what safeguards remain for others?”
He said the issue raised concerns over the amended Waqf legislation, particularly regarding the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions, the accountability of Waqf authorities and the protection of religious properties from arbitrary interference.—(KNO)