'Rooftops not govt property, Why ban...: Imran Masood hits out at Sambal administration for Eid advisory

Imran Masood

Speaking to CNN News18, Masood argued that the local administration has no right to stop people from performing namaaz on their rooftops in Sambhal on the occasion of Eid or Alvida Juma.

After a peace committee meeting, he stated that Alvida Juma prayers on March 28 and Eid prayers on March 31 will not be conducted on the streets. Prayers will also not be offered on rooftops in the Kotwali Sambhal area, he said. This decision comes in light of recent tensions in Sambhal and communal violence. The authorities have stated that namaaz should be performed inside mosques or homes.

The controversy alllegedly escalated when the Sambhal administration issues a ban on offering Namaz on roads and rooftops. Masood raised concerns over the imposition of restrictions on religious practices in public spaces, questioning whether this would unnecessarily create conflict.

This decision comes in light of recent tensions in Sambhal and communal violence. The authorities have stated that namaaz should be performed inside mosques or homes.

Addittionally, Congress MP Imran Masood on Thursday strongly condemned the controversial remarks made by Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, who suggested that those who want to serve 'Sewaiyan' on Eid must also eat 'Gujia' on Holi. Imran Masood dismissed Chaudhary’s comments, calling him a “foolish officer, lacking intellect.”

Masood also addressed the recent resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling on governments across India to clarify their positions on the matter. He said, “Just as Tamil Nadu passed this resolution, all governments working for Muslim community and its support must clarify their stance. West Bengal should also consider it, Bihar should also, and all governments should support it. Especially Nitish Kumar Ji and Chandrababu Naidu should clarify their stand.”