Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SS)
Udupi, May 16: Karnataka Waqf Board chairman N K Mohammed Shafi Saadi called for action against divisive forces in society. He said he welcomed singing of the national anthem in madrasas although this demand had come from individuals. However, he said nationalism and patriotism should come from within and people who are divisive should be kept aside.
He said the imposition of singing the national anthem is not possible while slamming those who are carrying out a campaign.
Hitting out at Pramod Mutalik, Shafi and his idea of nationalism said "Those who hoisted the national tricolour at Sindhagi need not teach us lessons about patriotism."
Saadi said statements made by some people do not enjoy support from the people or the government. He said Muslim religion taught them to love their motherland but the entire Hindu or Muslim society is not following the same.
Saadi questioned the existence of the government, law and courts when such people are allowed to go scot free.
The Waqf Board chairman said there were 1990 madrasas under the Waqf Board where the national anthem is sung but regretted that some elements are trying to fan communal hatred by purpose.
Saadi said the Muslim scholars in the state will take an appropriate decision on azaan by adhering to the Supreme Court's judgement.
"As per a Supreme Court judgment of 2005, loudspeakers are not allowed for religious and other programmes between 10 pm and 6 am. The Waqf Board had also issued a circular on March 17, 2021, to this effect to all mosques, with the directions to follow the Supreme Court's judgment. The loudspeaker restrictions between 10 pm and 6 am will affect only the azaan for the namaz held in the early hours. I have held discussions with many Hindu religious seers and they have also expressed concern over the loudspeaker restrictions, which is detrimental not only to azaan but also for puja rituals in temples," he said.
The state government has issued a circular recently to enforce the Supreme Court's direction regarding the use of loudspeakers. Accordingly, only the morning azaan will be affected, he said, adding that the Waqf Board had not taken any decision on this yet.
He said as this decision pertains to the Shariat law, suitable action will be taken after holding discussions on Monday and Tuesday with the ulemas (scholars) in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Saadi said the board will start an IAS and an IPS training centre in Bengaluru at a cost of Rs 15 crore for which shilanyas will be laid in the first week of June.
He said the government has released a grant of Rs 2 crore for repairing the Waqf Board central office. He said a blueprint is ready to start 10 women colleges in 10 districts of the state for which location had been identified. He refuted allegations that Waqf Board was encroaching upon government land and added that the government is spending Rs 2.5 crore to conduct a drone survey for the same.
Saadi said the Board had identified land which will be used for educational purposes.
Saadi said 45 acres of land is under the control of the Srirangapatna mosque. He said Tipu Sultan had donated several acres of land just like Mysore Maharaja, Bababudangiri dargah had donated to the Waqf Board. "These are all instances of Hindu Muslim communal amity. It is unnecessary to talk about the historical blots as it is going to serve any of us now," he said.
He said it is not proper for someone to take law into their hands and threaten people of a community.
Waqf Board member Yakub Y Gulvady, former chairman N Yahya, K P Ibrahim, former vice-chairman Abdul Rahiman and Waqf auditor Nazia were also present.