Resentment over Waqf Bill at Eid gatherings in city

Ranchi: Eid was celebrated with great fervour in Ranchi as the faithful gathered at the mosques and Idgahs to offer namaz and wish each other on the occasion. The resentment against the Waqf bill was discernible in the speeches of religious heads and the discussions among the people who had gathered for the prayers.
The ‘namaz' were offered at around 140 mosques and Idgahs of Ranchi district including Ekra Masjid, Harmu Idgah, Kadru Idgah, Doranda Idgah, Bariatu Idgah, Badgai Idgah, Kanke Igah, Raien Mosque and Hawwari Mosque of the city. The devotees hugged and wished each other soon after that. Various localities were decked up and illuminated.
Asif Pasha, who had come to Ranchi from Bengaluru to celebrate the festival with his family, said, "We are meeting with relatives, friends and neighbours and enjoying delicacies like Sewaiyan. Blessings of elders are also being sought."
People from other communities including political leaders namely former Union minister Subodh Kant Sahay and general secretary of state RJD Kailash participated in the festivities at various places.
Addressing the devotees before the namaz at Ranchi Idgah, moulana Ashar Misbahi opposed the Waqf bill terming it ‘dangerous'. He said, "It is likely that the Union govt would acquire the Waqf properties through the bills."
Moulana Saiyyad Shah Alkama of Doranda Idgah said that the bill was not acceptable to the Muslims as it would be opposed through the law. The devotees who gathered at the mosques also expressed their opposition to the bill.
The administration was on the vigil with a large deployment of force at 110 places including the mosques, temples and other sensitive areas. Rapid Action Police and the quick response teams were also posted at various locations.
Ranchi SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha said, "The administration remained alert during the Eid festival. Everything remained peaceful."