"No one has right to attack religious beliefs": NDA ally JDU criticises Assam govt''s decision on ending Jumma break practice in assembly

Neeraj told ANI that it would be better if Assam CM had focused more on lifting people above poverty.

"The decision made by the Assam Chief Minister is against the core principles of the country''s Constitution. Every religious belief has the right to preserve its traditions. I want to ask CM Sarma: You are imposing a ban on Friday holidays during Ramadan and claim that this will increase work efficiency. A significant part of Hindu tradition is the Maa Kamakhya Temple--can you impose a ban on the practice of sacrifice there?" he said.

"No one has the right to attack religious beliefs. It would have been better if you focused your attention on lifting people above the poverty line and ensuring that Assam doesn''t have to face floods," the JDU leader added.

The Assam assembly ended the practice of a two-hour adjournment for Jumma Prayers, every Friday that was introduced by Saadulah''s Muslim League government in colonial Assam.

Speaking on the decision, CM Himanta Biswa said that Hindu and Muslim MLAs together sat and unanimously took the decision that they will work during this period also.

"The Hindus and Muslims of our assembly sat in the MLA''s Rule Committee and unanimously resolved that the two-hour break is not right. We should work during this period as well. This practice started in 1937 and has been discontinued from yesterday," he said.

According to the previous rule, the sitting of the Assembly on Friday used to be adjourned at 11 am to facilitate Muslim members to go for namaaz, but, as per the new rule, the Assembly will conduct its proceedings without any adjournment for religious purposes.

As per the amended rule, the Assam assembly will commence its proceedings at 9.30 am every day, including Fridays. The order stated that the amendment was done to scrap the colonial practice which aimed at dividing the society on a religious basis. (ANI)