The ongoing row over offering namaz at public places seems to have settled for now, with both Muslim & Hindu groups agreed on 13 locations to offer namaz.
After a three-hour-long meeting with Police Commissioner Sandeep Khirwar on Thursday, the Muslim groups, which had sought protection and permission for prayer meetings at 15 places, were asked to restrict namaz to 13 locations. List of locations were not issued by Police.
“The police were in touch with Hindu and Muslim groups. Muslims were asked to submit a list of open spaces. They came up with a list of 15 places. The police reduced it to 13 and assured protection. Protesting groups were asked not to disrupt prayer meetings and they agreed,” police spokesperson Ravinder Kumar said.
The approved sites will be heavily guarded as the police force has been put on high alert to control any ruckus.
According to a local imam, advisory has been issued to the members of the community to stick to the designated 13 sites, those who can’t come to any of the approved sites have been asked to visit nearest mosques or they can offer prayers at homes.
Meanwhile, the Hindu groups promised not to create ruckus, if offering of namaz were restricted to the agreed 13 sites.
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