‘Mosques and temples never be demolished’: Hindu priest

New Delhi: In a rare show of interfaith solidarity, a Delhi temple priest has come out in support of the century-old Race Course mosque, which faces an uncertain future amid the Centre’s move to take control of the surrounding land on national security grounds, Muslim Mirror reported.

Keshav Raj Shastri, who has served at a nearby temple for 15 years, has opposed the demolition of places of worship regardless of religion. He shares a longstanding friendship with Imam Mohammed Haroon and said the neighbourhood had remained free of communal tensions.

The temple’s electricity supply has also been disconnected, although officials have assured Shastri that the structure will not be demolished. No demolition notice has been issued to the temple, where he continues daily worship with his family. The mosque, meanwhile, has been without electricity and water for more than a week.

Situated within the 53-acre Race Course Club near the Prime Minister’s residence, the Grade II heritage mosque was notified in 2009 and is registered with the Delhi Waqf Board. It can accommodate around 800 worshippers.

The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that it is taking possession of the area on national security grounds, following prolonged litigation involving the club and nearby settlements. However, no official demolition order has been issued against the mosque.

On October 23, Imam Haroon led Friday prayers as worshippers gathered amid mounting anxiety over the mosque’s future. Shastri’s support has offered a message of solidarity to the community as it fears losing a longstanding place of worship.