Haryana govt withdraws permission for public namaz

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday suspended public namaz. All previous sanctions for public prayers stand nullified, said a statement quoting the CM. It further added that the state government would work out an amicable solution to ensure no encroachment or exploitation but instead upholds all rights. But until then, namaz cannot be offered in public places, the CM said. The move has triggered protests.

"We have no issues anybody practising religion at their religious places, but use of open spaces is not acceptable," the Chief Minister said.

Referring to a recent agreement made by the Gurugram administration, he said, "There should be no law and order situation or any tension about same. We got to know that there was a meeting between groups, and some places were agreed upon or allocated, but we, with immediate effect, withdraw all and will work out amicable solution soon."

"We will help Waqf board to get their spaces free of encroachment. Till then, people should offer prayers at their legal sites, homes etc. We won't infringe on any rights, but nobody's allowed to bully," he added.