Muslims stage protest over Dargah issue

Vijayawada: Muslim community leaders, religious scholars and devotees staged a protest at Hazrat Syed Malik Hussain Baba Dargah at ESR Gardens in Mangalagiri on Wednesday, seeking protection of the shrine in view of the proposed Seed Access Road project. The protest was led by Sufi Samaj State convener and Sufi spiritual leader Mohammed Altaf Ali Raza Baba.

The protesters expressed strong objections to the reported proposal to remove or affect the dargah for the construction of the road. They said the shrine had significant historical and spiritual importance and urged the authorities to ensure that it was protected.

The protesters demanded that the government reconsider the proposed road alignment and examine an alternative route that would avoid affecting the dargah. They also urged the authorities to preserve the shrine at its existing location and take necessary measures to prevent any damage to the premises. Among their key demands were reconsideration of any proposal to remove or relocate the dargah, protection of the shrine in its present form, and a review of the road alignment.

They further called for consultations with dargah trustees, Muslim community representatives, religious leaders and devotees before taking any decision concerning the shrine. The protesters also demanded that the government provide clarity on the proposed road project and the future of the dargah.

They said that if their concerns were not addressed, they would announce their future course of action and continue their protest through peaceful and democratic means.

Mohammed Altaf Ali Raza Baba appealed to the government to balance development works with the protection of places of worship. He urged the authorities to address the concerns of the community through dialogue and arrive at an acceptable solution.

Sufi Saheb Jafar Hussaini, Sufi Mohammad Nazeeruddin Baba, dargah trustee Mohammed Usman and religious scholar Mohammed Zubair were among those, who participated in the protest.

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