From Our Bureau
NEW DELHI: Delhi’s Jama Masjid has banned entry of girls for sightseeing, allowing only those coming to offer prayers.
This was announced by its Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari, saying the decision was taken after some “incidents” on the premises of the heritage structure. He put up undated notices outside the main gats banning the entry of girls, whether alone or in group.
The issue led to an outrage in some quarters as women rights activists termed the mosque’s decision regressive and unacceptable.
“Jama Masjid mein ladki ya ladkiyon ka akele daakhla mana hai (The entry of a girl, or girls is not permitted in Jama Masjid),” reads the notice by the administration of the 17th century Mughal era monument that attracts thousands of devout as well as tourists.
“Jama Masjid is a place of worship and people are welcome for that. But girls coming alone and waiting for their dates… this is not what this place is meant for. The restriction is on that,” said Bukhari.
“Any such place, be it a mosque, temple or gurudwara is a place of worship (ibadat ki jagah hai) and there is no restriction on anyone coming for that purpose. Just today, a group of 20-25 girls visited and they were allowed to enter,” Bukhari added.
In the past, music video shoots by visitors were prohibited. An old board outside the entry gate facing the busy Matia Mahal area bears the message: “Music video shoot is strictly prohibited inside the mosque”.
Sources in the Jama Masjid administration claimed that people who engage in “inappropriate behaviour” are being restricted and “not all women.”
