Civic body says police failed to implement ban on prayers

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) was evasive on Friday over the issue of thousands of Muslims defying a ban imposed by the civic agency on offering prayers at the site where ruins of a Mughal-era mosque had been dug up.

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) was evasive on Friday over the issue of thousands of Muslims defying a ban imposed by the civic agency on offering prayers at the site where ruins of a Mughal-era mosque had been dug up.

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The civic body, which owns the land, said it was for the Delhi Police to manage such matters. It said since the Delhi High Court on Friday directed it to hand over the land to the Archaeological Survey of India, it has no role to play.

Meera Aggarwal, mayor of NDMC, said: "The high court has taken cognizance of the matter and has directed us to immediately hand over the site to the ASI. We are no more responsible for that land and will act only on the direction of the high court."

On allowing devotees to offer prayers at the site, the mayor said: "Delhi Police have failed to perform its duty. It was their responsibility to stop people from offering namaz. They didn't do it citing law and order situation," she added.

Accusing Delhi and Central governments of pressuring the police, Standing Committee Chairman Yogendra Chandolia said, "The government is not allowing Delhi Police to act. Despite orders, namaz was offered at the site. This shouldn't have happened."