Friday, May 27 2005 17:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Apprehending loss of his control over the historic Jama Masjid of Delhi, Shahi Imam Syed Ahmad Bukhari today (May 27, 2005) opposed any move to declare it a protected monument and threatened a nationwide agitation if this was done.

Bukhari also lashed out at Delhi Wakf Board for claiming ownership of the mosque saying, "No one can own it" but added that the board can be its custodian.

"No Muslim will tolerate if the Jama Masjid is declared a protected monument," the head priest of the mosque told sources in New Delhi, while reacting to Delhi High Court's criticism of the Centre for maintaining silence over the ownership issue and maintenance of the 355-year-old mosque.

Bukhari warned that the, "Country will see a second stir akin to that of the Babri Masjid" if the Jama Masjid is declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

"We are not criticising the court but if it comes to the worst and the sacred Jama Masjid is declared a protected site, every Muslim will take to the streets," he claimed.

Seeking to justify his Opposition, he said as per the Protected Monuments Act, an institution will have to be closed by 1700 hrs (IST) and if it is done, it will deprive the devouts from offering their evening prayers.

The Imam said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had written to him on the maintenance of the mosque and insisted on a time frame for completion of the repair work of the mosque.

"ASI can carry on with the repair work without declaring it a protected monument," he said.