The Sunni Gulistan Mosque, Gogol was finally reopened on Tuesday evening ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan.
MARGAO
Around 15 days after the Sunni Gulistan Masjid at the Gogol Housing Board was shut by the authorities following a murder, the place of worship was reopened on Tuesday ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
While issuing an order for the reopening of the Mosque for prayers, Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao, Ganesh Barve, however, said the order shall remain in force until further orders and shall not be construed as a final adjudication of any dispute, claim, or right pertaining to the management or control of the masjid.
The SDM further stated that a periodic review of the law and order situation and compliance with the conditions imposed under the order shall be undertaken. The order has directed the Fatorda Police to ensure adequate bandobast and police deployment in and around the masjid premises, particularly during congregational prayers, Friday prayers, and special Ramadan gatherings.
The police have been told to take necessary preventive action under relevant provisions of law against any person likely to commit a breach of peace or disturb public tranquillity. The police have been told to ensure that CCTV cameras installed in the premises remain functional at all times. Recordings shall be preserved for a minimum period of 30 days and produced before authorities as and when required.
Any violation of the conditions of this order shall entail immediate reconsideration of this permission, including re-sealing of the premises without further notice, the order stated.
The Sunni Gulistan Masjid was closed for prayers on February 2 by the SDM under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in view of the prevailing law and order situation and to prevent any apprehended breach of peace.
Tuesday saw a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity as members of the Muslim community once again knocked on the doors of BJP State President Damu Naik with a plea to prevail on the authorities to reopen the place of worship. The BJP president had assured the delegation led by Goa Haj Committee Chairman Urfan Mulla that he would speak to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take a review of the situation and explore the possibility of reopening the Mosque.
SDM Ganesh Barve convened a meeting on Tuesday evening with representatives of the erstwhile Masjid Committees, Police Authorities, and other concerned stakeholders to review the prevailing situation. During the meeting, representatives of the erstwhile Masjid Committees assured maintenance of peace, communal harmony, and strict compliance with all lawful directions issued by this office and the Police Authorities from time to time.
Welcoming the decision to reopen the Mosque, the Goa Haj Committee Chairman profusely thanked BJP State President Damu Naik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, besides the District Collector, Egna Cleetus, SP Santosh Desai, and DySP Sidhant Shirodkar for facilitating the reopening of the place of worship.
