The order was issued after locals lodged a complaint against Muslims offering prayers at Noida Authority park on Fridays
Public spaces such as parks can't be used for religious activities without prior permission, the Noida police have declared, asking multinational companies in Sector-58 to direct their employees to stop offering Friday prayers in Noida Authority parks.
The notice was issued after locals in Bishenpura village of Noida objected to Muslims offering Friday prayers at a park in Sector-58. An increasing number of people offering payers had triggered the notices
A complaint on the same was filed with Noida police on December 16 by seven residents of the village. "From the last weeks days, we have observed that the park owned by the Noida Authority is occupied by Muslims offering namaz every Friday. The numbers have increased over the weeks. Many of them were not even working in the companies in the area. Seeing people assembling for Namaz, others are also assembling," stated the complaint. Calling it "a pre-planned conspiracy", the complaint also stated that the public park was being used for their personal purpose.
Ajay Pal Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gautam Budh Nagar said, "The rule of law implies for all and the court guidelines are the same for everyone. Time and again we have issued warnings, asking people not to carry out religious activities in the park. However, no one paid any heed. The notice to the companies was issued soon after the complaint."
"We have even heard that they want to build a tomb in the park. The locals and villagers have opposed this time and again, but in vain. On December 14, a large number of people had gathered along with mikes and mats. This may lead to law and order issues and disruption of harmony in the area," stated the complaint.
The notice undersigned by Station House Officer (SHO) Pankaj Rai stated that no religious ceremony can be offered in a public park. "It has been observed that some Muslim employees of your company go to Sector-58 park to offer namaz on Fridays. Kindly ask them not to do so, else the companies will be held responsible for the violation," stated that notice.
Speaking to DNA Vir Singh Nagar one of the complainants said, "We do not want any religious activity in the park without permission. We don't want any untoward incident or a law and order problem."
PRE-PLANNED CONSPIRACY?
- The notice has been issued to 23 companies in Sector 58 directing their employees not to offer prayers in a public park
- According to the notice, companies will be held liable if their employees are found violating the directive
- An increasing number of people — from 10-20 people to around 500 people — offering payers had triggered the notice
- Calling it “pre-planned conspiracy”, locals say they had heard that the attendees want to build a tomb in the park
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