LUCKNOW: An order issued by Anny headquarters instructing all commands to discontinue the un written Sanction of an hours leave to Muslims on Fridays to offer prayers has been received by the community with alarm and dismay. Ata Press conference called by the All India Muslim Forum at Lucknow last week a letter detailing withdrawal of the concession to Muslims serving in the Anny was shown to newspersons by Nehal Uddin national convenor of the organization

He-said the Forum had written to the Prime Minister and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister asking them to intervene and withdraw the order immediately. Nehal Uddin said if the Govern ment failed to take immediate action a full-scale agitation would be launched to restore “the basic right of the Muslims in respect to the leave to offer juma namaz. Nehal Uddin gave the journalists photocopies of a “Daily Order” issued by Lt. Col V_R. Deshpande CHO SHO (L). Lucknow. dated June 2 1994 Titled “Grant of Concession to Muslim Employees Serving under the Government of India the order states “The Government policy on the subject of allowing Muslim employees serving under the Government of India to leave office early or during any part of the day for juma prayers on Friday has been revised and the concession has been discontinued and Special Facility withdrawn as per Amy Headquarters letter No 85447/Org-(Cly) ¢) dated 25 April 94.” The order quotes the history of the move and states that the existing policy on the subject has the approval of the Home Minister.” It concludes “In view of the above all Muslim employees of hits unit are advised not to leave the unify duty during working hours on Fridays for juma prayers henceforth as was the practice carter  

Mr Nehal Uddin claimed that following this order no defence personnel came to offer Nama on Fri. day last. He said the Friday prayer one of the most essential Islam practices and can be offered only collectively.

Condemning the order he said such a restriction was not imposed even by the British on any cat egory of government servants including those serving in the defence and police departments. Such a restriction will shatter the faith of the Muslims in the very concept of secularism Nehal Uddin said The Commanding Officer when contacted on telephone admitted that the order has been issued but said that it had come from the Amy Headquarters in April.

Article extracted from this publication >> June 24, 1994