Muslim leaders oppose entry restrictions at Hyderabad’s Haj House

Muslim leaders and activists have criticised restrictions on public access to Razaaq Manzil, popularly known as Haj House, in Hyderabad. The Minority Welfare Department says entry is being regulated following protests and other incidents that raised security concerns.

Hyderabad: Muslim leaders are opposing the restrictions imposed on entry of people into Razaaq Manzil, the building that houses the offices of the Minority Welfare Department and scores of people visit every day at Public Garden Road.

For decades, the building, popularly known as Haj House, provided unrestricted access to visitors. It houses the Telangana Urdu Academy, Telangana State Haj Committee, Telangana Minorities Finance Corporation, Telangana State Wakf Board and other offices of the Minority

Welfare Department. However, over the past few days, visitors have been allowed inside only after thorough verification.
Social activist Mohd Obaidullah said the restrictions were causing inconvenience to people visiting the building for official work and questioned the need to restrict public access to government offices.

BRS Minority Cell General Secretary Abdul Muqeet Chanda launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, alleging that Muslim leadership had been reduced to fighting for something as basic as unrestricted entry into a government building.

Questioning the installation of grills and restrictions, he alleged that the arrangements appeared aimed at preventing people from entering the premises, questioning officials and raising issues concerning minority welfare institutions. Instead of addressing public grievances, the government was creating physical barriers between people and the administration, he charged.

Wakf activist Syed Ifteqar Hussaini also expressed concern over the inconvenience caused to visitors approaching the various offices.

“Muslim leaders should be fighting for education, employment, scholarships, fee reimbursement, welfare schemes and economic empowerment rather than struggling to get the gates of Haj House opened,” he said.

However, an official of the Minority Welfare Department said the decision to regulate entry was taken following untoward incidents, including protests inside the building, which raised security and safety concerns for employees and officials working there.