Jumma Namaz: Efforts to find amicable solution in Gurugram prove to be futile

Lack of mosques to cater to growing Muslim population, both residential and floating, adds to the problem

Offering of Jumma Namaz at an open commercial space in upscale Sector 47 here near Bakhtawar Chowk has been in the eye of controversy for almost a month now. The protests by the local residents have been growing with each passing Friday and the administration’s efforts to find an amicable solution by bringing both parties to a negotiation table have proved to be futile so far.

Several local residents, including women, assembled at the site for a Jumma Namaz this past Friday as well pre-empting the Namazis, chanting Hanuman Chalisa and playing bhajans on a hand-held portable music system. Holding placards against Namaz in the open, they soon began to march towards the Namazis, but the police, deployed at the site, hurriedly intervened to stop them.

The protesters then turned to the local news channels and print media journalists at the site accusing the police and the administration of taking sides and vowed to return again next Friday in greater strength.