The Hindu : National : Shia clerics want waqf properties in U.P. restored

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Shia clerics want waqf properties in U.P. restored

Atiq Khan

LUCKNOW: Demanding the restoration of waqf properties acquired by the government agencies in Uttar Pradesh, a delegation of Shia clerics on Wednesday urged the Mayawati government to increase the representation of Shia Muslims in government departments.

A delegation of Shia clerics led by Imam-i-Juma of Lucknow’s Asafi mosque and All India Muslim Personal Law Board member (AIMPLB), Maulana Kalbe Jawwad met the Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Advisory Council, Satish Chandra Mishra, here on Wednesday and demanded that efforts be made to hand over the waqf properties to the Shia Waqf Board.

Mosque property

The example of Shahdara mosque on Mohan Road in Lucknow was cited as one of the instances where the property had been acquired by the government.

The land belonging to the mosque has been acquired for the construction of a university for persons with disability.

The proposed university has been named after Mr. Mishra’s mother, Shakuntala Mishra. Stating that it was waqf property, Maulana Jawwad said the land should be returned to the mosque.

Memorandum

President of All India Shia Personal Law Board, Moulana Mirza Mohammad Athar and AIMPLB member, Maulana Hamidul Hasan, said that the representation of the Shias in government should be increased.

In a memorandum submitted to Mr. Mishra, the delegation laid stress on the modernisation of madrasas and demanded the regularisation of the services of teachers of the Arabi madrasas.

The teachers have been drawing their salary since 1972.

But since their service record has been shown from 1993, it impacted on the retirement and pension benefits.

Other demands

Among the other demands were the lifting of restrictions imposed on “Azadari” processions during Moharram and the withdrawal of cases against the Shias named as accused in Shia-Sunni riots in Lucknow.

The PWD and Irrigation Minister, Naseemuddin Siddiqui, who has performed the role of Chief Minister Mayawati’s representative in enlisting the support of the Muslims, was present at the meeting.

A delegation of Sunni clerics had met Mr. Mishra on Tuesday.

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