After Siddhivinayak wall, its Mahim Dargahs gates
Residents oppose installation of gates at the shrine and other security measures, as they will be inconvenienced
Even as the verdict on the wall near Siddhivinayak temple is awaited, the security of another shrine has given rise to another controversy.
Residents who live around Mahim Dargah are unhappy with the Dargah trusts proposal to install gates on the premises for security.
The final order on the petition against the proposed security measures is expected on November 19 from the city civil court.
During Ramzaan, the Mahim Police had requested the Pir Makhdum Saheb Charitable Trust to take necessary precautions that included installation of gates, CCTV cameras and identity cards for residents of Dargah Street and employees of shops in the locality.
The Dargah trust accepted their suggestions and decided to install two gates one in front of the Dargahs Buland Gate and the other at the back.
They even decided to go ahead with the idea of issuing identity cards and car badges for the residents.
However, residents objected as the gates would mean that even residents would need ID cards to enter the area.
The petition filed last month against the trust said that the gates would inconvenience the residents.
Residents speak
The right of worship in mosques or dargahs should be maintained without any hindrance at any cost. The Trusts suggestion about identity cards is unnecessary.
Faizi Khan (27),
Mahim resident
Implementation of identity cards will never work out. Is it ethical to make me produce an ID every time someone comes to visit me?
Ibrahim Shaikh (56)
Florist at Mahim Dargah
The gates will definitely minimise the burden of trust in terms of security, but everyday security checks are an injustice to my family and me.
Tauhfiq Shaikh
Mahim resident
Trustee speaks
I had made the suggestions for the security of devotees visiting the shrine only after the police requested the trust to do so. The gates will help the police keep a check on anti-social elements and ensure the safety of devotees.
Suhail Khandwani
Trustee
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