Namaz row resurfaces in Gurugram, RWA seeks ban on public prayers

The public Namaz controversy has resurfaced in Gurugram, as the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of the upscale Suncity society in Sector 54, backed by right-wing organisations, has approached the local administration seeking a ban on public prayers conducted in an empty plot. This renewed contention comes after a period of relative calm lasting approximately three years.

The RWA’s memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner cites the gatherings as a public nuisance, claiming the plot has been illegally converted into a mosque that attracts around 300 worshippers every Friday. They allege that many of these individuals are outsiders from Mewat and Uttar Pradesh, contributing to safety concerns and parking issues in the residential area.

The memorandum states: “That’s a residential plot and Suncity township, Sector 54, Gurugram, are currently facing significant inconvenience due to an illegal and unauthorised gathering of unknown individuals (approximately 300) at vacant Plot No-B-37 for unauthorised religious activities (offering Namaz). The area is allotted only for residential purposes, and bylaws prohibit such gatherings. This disruption affects the peaceful living conditions in Suncity. Additionally, the large number of outside individuals gathering without permission poses serious security threats to residents. Moreover, this gathering results in road blockages and parking issues every Friday from 1 pm to 3 pm, coinciding with school bus timings.”

Supporting the RWA’s demand, the right-wing organisation Samagar Hindu Sewa Sangh Haryana described the situation as “land Jihad,” alleging that the increasing number of visitors is a security threat. Mahaveer Bhardwaj of the Sangh said, “This is not a religious issue but more of a security issue. There are numerous mosques in Mewat and Gurugram, so why do they need to gather in such large numbers in residential areas for prayers? The administration has assigned them spots for public Namaz, so why are these illegal open mosques being set up? This started with just 15 people early last year but has now grown into hundreds. Many women living in the vicinity have complained of eve-teasing. Freedom of prayer cannot equate to land encroachment.”

In contrast, an Imam participating in the prayers, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “This is a plot of one of our community members who has allowed prayers as charity. The people working nearby have no mosque, and they gather quietly for just an hour before leaving. There is no nuisance. This is all communal, and these right-wing outfits are trying to overpower us, riding high on the saffron party’s victory.”