New Delhi’s historical mosque facing demolition threat

ISLAMABAD: Efforts are afoot to demolish New Delhi’s Sunehri Masjid having cultural and historic significance.

New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has issued a public notice for the removal of the mosque in the capital after it received references from Delhi’s traffic police to “ensure sustainable mobility” of vehicles in the area.

The NDMC is now seeking public opinion on the proposed removal of the mosque.

The Indian media has reported that Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) President Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, expressed reservations about the NDMC’s notification. He underscored the potential harm to the “shared cultural heritage.” A delegation from JUH visited the mosque and met Imam Maulana Abdul Aziz to gather further information.

The Imam emphasised the mosque’s adherence to all government security directives, noting that even congregational prayers are not organised during parliamentary sessions and the mosque does not cause traffic issues.

The Sunehri Masjid lies in the heart of Lutyens Delhi, near Udyog Bhavan. The looming threat of demolition, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, has stirred a wave of concern among locals and historians. Many believe that the mosque was built 200 years ago, using Lahori bricks. This mosque earned Heritage III status for its historical significance in 2009. “Sunehri Bagh Masjid is not just a mosque, it has a history that is closely associated with several of our freedom fighters. Hasrat Mohani, member of our Constituent Assembly used to stay here while attending the meetings. Care for its illustrious history,” wrote historian S Irfan Habib on X.

Conflicting claims about the ownership of the land have emerged. While the Delhi Waqf Board asserts its ownership, the NDMC contends that the land belongs to the government.