Hindu seeks permission to deliver sermon at Makkah Masjid during Ramadan

Hyderabad: For the first time the authorities have received a strange request from a Hindu person who has sought permission to address at the Makkah Masjid on a Friday in the Holy month of Ramadan. Puzzled authorities are now examining the unusual request.

It must be noted that each Friday falling in the Holy month of Ramadan is allotted to the leaders of religious and political groups who address thousands of worshippers who converge every Friday at Makkah Masjid.

Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and Majlis Bachao Tahreek (MBT) have been addressing the gatherings at the masjid for years.

As reported by the Times of India, sources from the Minorities Welfare Department who spoke on condition of anonymity identified the applicant as one A S Rao. They said Rao has promised he would not use unparliamentary language and will only deliver a speech in praise of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). However the Minority Welfare Department is in no mood to take chances.

The source added that the applicant has claimed to be a Telangana Rashtra Samithi worker.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (south zone) V Satyanarayana is also of the view that Ramadan is the Holy month hence permission is given to only Muslim organisations, that too only in view of public safety and security.