Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 24: A convention of presidents, secretaries, treasurers, Pesh Imams/Khateebs of mosques in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts was organized at Shadi Mahal here on Saturday September 23.

Minister for primary and secondary eduction, minority welfare and Wakf, Tanveer Sait, who inaugurated the convention, said that such conventions are being held all over the state in order to obviate the need for the people to travel to Bengaluru to address problems faced by them on the issues of properties of mosques Wakf etc, as ministers and officials are taken to individual districts to sort out issues on the spot. He however, cautioned the institutions against violating Wakf Act in which case the concerned would face legal action through courts.

The minister felt that it would be wrong to confine mosques and Madrassas just for imparting knowledge about Namaaz and learning of Koran. He said that in tune with the need of the changing times, Muslim community should adapt itself to the era of technology and mosques and Madrassas should be shaped into information hubs. He said that the central government had set itself a target of distribution of scholarships to 4.16 lac students last year, and that the state government through its minorities welfare department, disbursed scholarships to 14 lac students.

Tanveer also advised AP and EK groups within Muslim community to amicably settle textbook disputes between them. He noted the fact that textbook dispute has vitiated into suits in high court at 23 places, which does not behove well for the community. He wanted such internal issues to be settled amicably and in case of need, Wakf Tribunals functioning at Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi and Gulbarga can be approached to solve issues through dialogues.

Qazi of Dakshina Kannada district, Twaka Ahmed Musliyar, delivered benedictory address. MLA,J R Lobo, presided. District in-charge minister, B Ramanath Ra, food and civil supplies minister, U T Khader, and chief whip in the legislative council, Ivan D'Souza, spoke o the occasion.

Special Wakf Board officer, Mujeebulla Zafari, gave information about the administration of Wakf. Leaders, B H Khader, M A Gafoor, Abdul Jabbar, K M Ibrahim, Yeneopoya Muhammed Kunhi, Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Usman, K K Shahul Hameed, Ibrahim Kodijal, B M Mumtaz Ali, N S Karim, S M Zulfikar and additional deputy commissioner of Udupi district, Anuradha, were present.

Former president of Dakshina Kannada district Wakf advisory committee, S M Rasheed, welcomed. TRF advisor, Rafique Master, compered the programme. Udupi district Wakf Advisory Committee former president, Nakwa Yahya, proposed vote of thanks.