Hakeem welcomes SC directive on Places of Worship Act

Srinagar, Dec 14: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has welcomed the Supreme Court’s directive restraining courts from entertaining fresh lawsuits or passing effective interim or final orders in pending ones seeking to reclaim religious places, especially mosques and dargahs.
In a statement issued here, Yaseen said the SC decision, which stalled proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking surveys to ascertain the original religious character of 10 mosques—such as the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal and Dargah Sharif in Ajmer—has brought much-needed relief to people, especially minorities.
The former minister commended the Supreme Court for playing a pivotal role in upholding India’s rich secular and communal harmony traditions. He described the directive as a timely and landmark intervention that would restore people’s faith in the judiciary and rule of law.
Yaseen highlighted the importance of the Supreme Court’s decision at a time when “anti-peace forces” were attempting to create communal tensions in the country. He expressed confidence that the ruling would promote peace and communal harmony nationwide.
The PDF chief urged all Indians, in the larger interest of the nation, to mutually respect all religions and religious places, including temples, mosques, gurdwaras, churches and imambaras, irrespective of political affiliations.
He also called for identifying and isolating elements responsible for spreading hate and anarchy by instigating religious emotions. “Unity in diversity is the hallmark of India’s heritage and secular traditions, which must be preserved and promoted by civil society, the intelligentsia and the judiciary as an act of faith,” he said.