Taken for granted: Masajid Board members resign after safety suggestions ignored

Shias now have no representation in crucial peace-keeping body.


Shabbir Mir October 30, 2014

GILGIT:


As Muharram progresses, Shia representatives have resigned from the Masajid Board in Gilgit, complaining their suggestions to maintain sectarian harmony were overlooked. The resignations mean Shias have no representation in a body that played a crucial role in restoring peace after more than 50 people were killed in the region in sectarian violence during 2011-12.


“We were compelled to take this decision,” said Abid Baig, a member of the Masajid Board, on Thursday.



The board, with 10 members each from the Shia and Sunni sects, was responsible for implementing a code of conduct which allowed for the reopening of two mosques sealed in the aftermath of the violence.

The code barred prayer leaders of both central mosques in Gilgit from maligning each other’s beliefs and using harsh language against the other sect’s revered personalities. “The government was supposed to implement our suggestions, but that didn’t happen and we all resigned,” Baig told The Express Tribune.

He said the government didn’t pay heed to their demands of establishing check posts and deploying police at certain entry points to keep a close eye on those entering or leaving the region. Baig claimed Chief Minister Mehdi Shah, the chief secretary and home secretary avoided meetings with the board.

“For the past few months, we haven’t had a meeting to discuss issues jeopardising peace in the region,” he said. Meetings were supposed to be held at least once a month with these officials. He feared sectarian tension could flare up again if the government failed to take them on board. “What I am foreseeing does not bode well for peace in the region.”

The members who resigned include Hussain Ali Rana, Syed Nizamuddin, Syed Sharafuddin, Sheikh Nasir Zamani, Muhammad Alamgir and Abid Baig.



Earlier in September, the Gigit-Baltistan (G-B) government announced the formation of the Ulema Advisory Council which would help forge sectarian unity and have 18 members.

At the time, both Shia and Sunni representatives had objected to the council as they felt it was undermining the Masajid Board.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2014.

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