On Monday, the All-India Imam Association accelerated its demands for the release of delayed salary, warning of protests if their issues are not addressed. Several imams gathered outside Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal’s home to make their demands known.
Speaking to ANI, Sajid Rashidi, the chairman of the All India Imam Association, voiced his disappointment at the Delhi government’s delay in paying the salaries of imams of the Delhi Waqf Board.
Rashidi claimed that they hadn’t received their salaries in the previous 17 months and that despite their repeated meetings with government leaders and officials, nothing had been done about the situation.
Rashidi said, “It has been 17 months, and our salaries have not been paid. We have been trying to highlight this for the last 6 months. We have met the CM, the LG, and all senior and junior officers. This is why we have all gathered here today… If they do not give us our answers now, we will sit on a protest here and not get up till we get our salaries…”
Mufti Narajul Haq Kasmi, who has served as an imam under the Delhi Waqf Board since 1988, said, “If our demands are not addressed now, there will be no chance of resolution once the election notification is issued. Even with released funds, salaries cannot be disbursed without a functioning CEO. The appointment of a CEO is a must. Clarion India reported.
A number of imams claimed that their pay of Rs 18,000, which hasn’t been paid in 17 months, is too little. They added that the non-payment of salary is causing them a lot of problems.
Earlier, the committee met with Delhi Chief Minister Atishi to discuss the issues, but no definitive solutions were offered.
