Amid the demand for restoration of Hindu and Jain deities inside the Qutab Minar complex, Delhi Waqf Board has claimed that Namaz used to be offered at a mosque there, that was stopped by the Archaeological Survey of India. No immediate reaction was available from the ASI. Delhi Waqf Board chairman Amanatullah Khan in a letter to ASI director general, last week, requested for allowing Namaz at the "ancient" Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Qutab complex, claiming it was stopped by the ASI.
"Five time daily prayers were offered by the Muslims at the mosque and the practice continued without any hindrance and interference since its inception," Khan said.
However, the ASI on Tuesday opposed a plea before a Delhi court seeking restoration of Hindu and Jain deities inside the Qutab Minar, saying it is not a place of worship and the existing status of the monument cannot be altered.
Imam of the mosque, Maulvi Sher Mohammad appointed by Waqf Board, had also written a letter to ASI in this regard on May 7, stating that the ASI officials were not allowing them to offer prayers in the mosque.
"It is important to mention that the said mosque is duly notified Waqf property vide Gazette of Delhi administration dated 16.04.1970 and five time prayer is taking place at the said mosque since times immemorial," said Amanatullah.