Islamabad, Jan 16: The district administration Islamabad has decided against granting permission to Dukhtaran-i-Millat to organize a Seerat congregation on Sunday at Town hall here.
 Speaking to Greater Kashmir, the Dukhtaran Chairperson Asiya Andrabi termed the decision as interference in religious affairs, saying, “We had already sought permission from the district administration for organizing a day-long Seerat conference of four districts of South Kashmir in the town hall. We had even paid rent to Municipal Committee Islamabad. This speaks volumes about the so called largest democracy of the world.”
 Asiya said that though she talked to Deputy Commissioner Islamabad but he expressed helplessness saying he had got instructions from higher ups to not allow Dukhtaran to organize any religious congregation in the town hall.
 However, the organization has decided to go ahead with its program.
 “We are not going to succumb to the pressure of the puppet government which is now even stopping us from teaching our religion. We will now conduct our program as scheduled whether in town hall or any other place,” said Asiya.
 Additional Deputy Commissioner, Islamabad, Bashir Ahmad Khan said, “I have received orders from Deputy Commissioner and police not to allow the Dukhtaran to conduct a religious congregation in town hall, which is only meant for public programs and we are acting on those instructions.”
 Senior Superintendent of Police, Islamabad, Showkat Ahmad Malik, while expressing ignorance about the matter, said, “The granting of permission is the jurisdiction of district administration and police has no say in it.”
 Deputy Commissioner, Islamabad, Sheikh Mushtaq could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.
 “The government has denied Dukhtaran the permission for religious gathering saying the town hall was meant only for public programs. In the same district, the government makes the boys degree college as the base camp of Amarnath yatra and the college remains occupied for three months every year. Why the discrimination?” asked Rifat, a local student.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 IST