Nation Pulse 24

Category: Uttarakhand

  • Progressive Journalist Association Formed to Address Journalists’ Issues in Uttarakhand

    Progressive Journalist Association Formed to Address Journalists’ Issues in Uttarakhand

    Progressive Journalist Association Formed to Address Journalists’ Issues in Uttarakhand

    New Executive Committee Announced at Meeting of Prominent Journalists in Dehradun; Dr. Jamshed Usmani Named Patron and Asif Hussain Elected President

    Dehradun: In a significant initiative aimed at addressing the problems faced by journalists in Uttarakhand, safeguarding journalistic values, and strengthening journalists’ rights, the Progressive Journalist Association was formed during a meeting of prominent journalists held in Dehradun on Saturday.

    The meeting focused on various challenges confronting journalists, the protection of their professional rights, and the need for better coordination among media professionals across the state. Participants emphasised the importance of establishing a common platform where journalists could collectively raise their concerns and work towards finding effective solutions.

    Following detailed discussions, it was decided to establish the Progressive Journalist Association as a state-level organisation dedicated to promoting the interests and welfare of journalists.

    New Executive Committee Announced

    As part of the organisational structure, responsibilities were assigned to various office-bearers to ensure the effective functioning of the association.

    According to the announced executive committee, Dr. Jamshed Usmani, Editor of the Hindi daily Golden Times, Roorkee, has been appointed as the Patron of the association. Asif Hussain, Editor of the Urdu daily Sada-e-Huzaifa, has been appointed President.

    Other appointments include:

    – Vice President: Afroz Khan, Editor of Time Witness

    – General Secretary: Ashraf Jamal Qureshi, Editor of Markaz-e-Khabar

    – Treasurer: Mohammad Ikram, Editor of Dabang News

    – Legal Advisor: Ashraf Zamir Hashmi

    – Women’s Wing In-charge: Ms. Sania, Editor of Buland Aawaz

    – Executive Committee Member: Amanullah Usmani, Executive Editor of Golden Times, Dehradun

    Focus on Journalists’ Rights and Welfare

    The primary objective of the Progressive Journalist Association is to unite journalists and effectively present issues concerning their professional interests before the relevant authorities and institutions.

    Through the association, collective efforts will be made to address journalists’ grievances, protect their rights, and promote constructive dialogue on issues related to the media profession.

    The participants also highlighted the rapidly changing nature of journalism. Alongside traditional print media, digital media platforms and web portals have expanded significantly, bringing new professional challenges and raising questions about working conditions, recognition, and the protection of journalists’ rights.

    In this changing media landscape, the establishment of a common state-level platform is being viewed as an important step towards strengthening coordination and cooperation among journalists working across different media platforms.

    Association to Expand Across Uttarakhand

    Newly appointed President Asif Hussain said that the association would soon be expanded across Uttarakhand. Efforts would be made to bring journalists working in different districts and regions of the state under its umbrella.

    He expressed confidence that the participation of journalists from across Uttarakhand would strengthen the organisation and enable it to raise issues affecting the journalistic community more effectively.

    He also indicated that the association would work towards providing a collective platform for journalists to discuss their concerns and seek appropriate solutions through coordinated efforts.

    A New Platform for the Journalistic Community

    With the formation of the Progressive Journalist Association, a new organisation has emerged in Uttarakhand with a stated focus on journalists’ welfare, professional rights, and the protection of journalistic values.

    The association’s future activities, expansion across the state, and initiatives to address journalists’ concerns will be closely watched in the coming days.

    The success of this initiative will depend on its ability to unite journalists, represent their concerns effectively, and translate its stated objectives into meaningful action.

  • Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui Appointed Chief Spokesperson of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui Appointed Chief Spokesperson of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui Appointed Chief Spokesperson of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Appointed in New Executive Body; Dr. Siddiqui is the Only Spokesperson from Garhwal Division

    Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Minority Congress has expanded and reorganized its state executive committee as part of efforts to strengthen the organization and increase its activities across the state.

    The new executive committee was announced by Shamim Alvi, National Coordinator of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Minority Cell. The newly constituted body includes several office-bearers, including vice presidents, secretaries and state secretaries, besides the appointment of five state spokespersons.

    Among the five spokespersons, Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui has been placed at the top of the list and appointed as the Chief Spokesperson of the Uttarakhand Minority Congress.

    A significant aspect of the appointment is that while four of the five spokespersons belong to the Kumaon Division, Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui is the only spokesperson from the Garhwal Division, representing the state capital Dehradun.

    His appointment is being viewed by his supporters and well-wishers as an important representation for Dehradun and the Garhwal region within the state-level Minority Congress organization.

    Long Association with Social and Organizational Activities

    Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui has been associated with political, social and organizational activities for a long time. He holds a PhD from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and was actively involved in political and social activities during his student days.

    During his time at the university, he was associated with the Students’ Executive, gaining early experience in student representation and organizational activities.

    After completing his education, Dr. Siddiqui continued his involvement in various social organizations and public initiatives. His association with different social platforms has enabled him to remain connected with people and issues concerning society.

    Active Role in AMU Old Boys Association

    Dr. Siddiqui has also remained actively associated with the activities of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association. His continued engagement with the university’s alumni network has kept him connected with a wide range of educational, social and professional circles.

    At present, he is also holding responsibilities in several prominent social organizations and continues to participate in activities related to social welfare and community engagement.

    President of Progressive Community Trust

    Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui is the President of Progressive Community Trust, a prominent social organization based in Dehradun.

    Through the organization, he has been involved in various social initiatives and issues concerning the community. His long-standing involvement in social activities is being seen as one of the key factors behind his growing organizational profile.

    Supporters Celebrate His Appointment

    The announcement of his appointment as the Chief Spokesperson of the Uttarakhand Minority Congress has brought considerable happiness among his supporters, friends and well-wishers.

    A large number of people have been visiting his residence, Mashallah House, to congratulate him on being entrusted with the new responsibility. The flow of congratulatory messages and visits has continued since the announcement.

    Among those who congratulated Dr. Siddiqui are Khalid Farooqui, Syed Owais Ahmed Thanvi, Ashraf Hashmi, Sabir Siddiqui, Rao Naseem Ahmed, Advocate Syed Suhail Zameer and Dr. J. Usmani, along with several other supporters and well-wishers.

    They expressed happiness over his appointment and conveyed their best wishes for his new organizational responsibility.

    Dr. Siddiqui Thanks Party Leadership

    Expressing gratitude over his appointment, Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui thanked the Congress high command, the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress leadership and Minority Cell State President Haji Suleman Ansari for placing their trust in him.

    He assured the party leadership that he would work with full dedication, ability and sincerity to strengthen the organization.

    Dr. Siddiqui said that the responsibility entrusted to him would be carried out with commitment and that he would make every possible effort to live up to the confidence placed in him by the party leadership.

    Expected to Strengthen Minority Congress in Uttarakhand

    His supporters believe that Dr. Siddiqui’s academic background, experience in student politics, long association with social organizations and organizational abilities will help him perform his new role effectively.

    As Chief Spokesperson, he is expected to play an important role in presenting the policies and programmes of the Minority Congress before the people and strengthening communication between the organization and the public.

    Supporters also expressed confidence that his experience and social engagement will contribute towards strengthening the Uttarakhand Minority Congress, particularly in the Garhwal region and the state capital Dehradun.

    Dr. Siddiqui’s appointment has therefore generated considerable enthusiasm among his supporters, who see the new responsibility as an important opportunity for him to contribute to the party’s organizational expansion and public outreach across Uttarakhand.

  • OUN Foundation Welcomes Sabri Chadar Procession, Organises Grand Langar on Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ

    OUN Foundation Welcomes Sabri Chadar Procession, Organises Grand Langar on Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ

    OUN Foundation Welcomes Sabri Chadar Procession, Organises Grand Langar on Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ

    Roorkee: On the auspicious occasion of Jashn-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ, two groups carrying the revered Sabri Chadar set out from Roorkee towards Kaliyar Sharif, where devotees were heading in large numbers to pay their respects at the Darbar of Sabir Pak.

    The two groups departed from Rampur under the leadership of Jabbar Ahmad and from Bharat Nagar under the leadership of Rashid Ahmad. As the processions reached Rampur Road near Umar Enclave Colony in Roorkee, they were warmly welcomed by OUN Foundation President Kunwar Shahid along with his team.

    As part of the reception, a special platform was arranged where devotees and participants raised religious slogans and presented Naat-e-Pak in praise of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Speakers highlighted the message of peace, love, brotherhood and humanity given to the world by the Prophet ﷺ.

    Following the Naat and religious proceedings, Durood-e-Pak was recited and special prayers were offered for peace and harmony in the country, prosperity and safety, as well as for the well-being of people across the world.

    The devotees travelling with the Sabri Chadar were then served tea and bread pakoras as breakfast. After the reception, both groups continued their journey towards Kaliyar Sharif.

    Later, at around 2 pm, the OUN Foundation organised a grand public langar outside Umar Enclave Colony on Rampur Road. A large number of people participated in the langar and were served rajma-chawal, along with chilled and delicious kheer as Tabarruk.

    Members of the OUN Foundation said that Jashn-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ commemorates the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is observed by Muslims with love, devotion and happiness. They said that under the banner of Jashn-e-Khair-ul-Wara, the foundation is organising various social and community-service programmes.

    The foundation members further stated that their objective is to spread the message of love, peace, brotherhood and service to humanity through such programmes and to encourage people to come together for the welfare of society.

    Those present at the programme included Mumtaz Abbas Naqvi, Asif Ali alias Haider, Asif Ali, Bilal Khan, Munawwar Ali, Munir Alam, Arif Ali, Anas Ghazi, Mohammad Shahid, Sahil Khan, Shehzad Ahmad, Saqib Shehzad and Naeem Saifi, along with members of the OUN Foundation and other prominent citizens.

    A large number of people participated in the programme organised by the OUN Foundation and joined the Mehfil, Naat-e-Pak, Durood-e-Pak, prayers and Langar, becoming part of the celebrations marking the blessed occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ.

  • Dehradun to Host Consultation on Constitutional Governance, Democratic Rights and Institutional Independence

    Dehradun to Host Consultation on Constitutional Governance, Democratic Rights and Institutional Independence

    Dehradun to Host Consultation on Constitutional Governance, Democratic Rights and Institutional Independence

    Salman Khurshid, Gurdeep Sappal, Apoorvanand and Other Prominent Speakers to Participate in Key Consultation Meeting

    Dehradun, August 22: Amid growing public debate over the functioning of constitutional institutions, democratic rights and civil liberties in the country, a significant consultation meeting on “Constitutional Governance, Democratic Rights and the Way Forward” is scheduled to be held in Dehradun on August 23.

    The consultation meeting will take place at 11:30 AM at Hotel Doon Pride, Prince Chowk, Dehradun, bringing together prominent lawyers, academics, human rights activists and public figures to discuss constitutional governance, democratic rights and issues concerning citizens’ freedoms.

    According to the organisers, questions have been raised in recent times regarding the role and functioning of institutions including the Election Commission, the Executive, the police and various investigative agencies, particularly with regard to their independence and impartiality.

    The consultation aims to examine these concerns from a constitutional and democratic perspective and explore peaceful and democratic ways forward.

    Uttarakhand Issues to Be Discussed

    Several important and sensitive issues concerning Uttarakhand are also expected to remain at the centre of the discussion.

    These include bulldozer actions, hate crimes, alleged disrespect towards religious places, SIR, evictions, and issues related to “Jal, Jungle and Zameen” — water, forests and land.

    The organisers emphasise the need to address such issues through constitutional values, democratic rights and peaceful dialogue rather than confrontation or unconstitutional means.

    Prominent Speakers to Attend

    According to Shadab Alam, the consultation will feature several distinguished speakers, including former Union Minister and Supreme Court advocate Salman Khurshid; Congress leader and former Director General of Rajya Sabha Television Gurdeep Sappal; Delhi University Professor Apoorvanand; former Rajya Sabha MP Mohammad Adeeb; human rights activist Nadeem Khan; and Supreme Court advocate Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi.

    The meeting is being organised by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Uttarakhand.

    Focus on Constitutional and Peaceful Solutions

    At a time when the role of constitutional institutions, civil liberties and governance continues to generate debate across different sections of society, the Dehradun consultation is expected to provide a platform for dialogue on some of the country’s pressing democratic and constitutional concerns.

    The meeting will also seek to explore how existing challenges can be addressed through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means while protecting constitutional rights and democratic values.

    The consultation is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Hotel Doon Pride, Prince Chowk, Dehradun.

  • Muslim Votes Wanted, But Not Leadership? Is This Uttarakhand Congress’s Model of Secularism?

    Muslim Votes Wanted, But Not Leadership? Is This Uttarakhand Congress’s Model of Secularism?

    Muslim Votes Wanted, But Not Leadership? Is This Uttarakhand Congress’s Model of Secularism?

    By Dr. Jamshed Usmani

    Dr. J. Usmani
    Senior journalist
                   The Uttarakhand Congress has finally announced its new Pradesh Congress Committee after a wait of nearly six years.
    Coming in an election year, the new organizational structure was expected to reflect the party’s commitment to inclusive and meaningful representation of its core supporters.
    But the list has raised a serious political question:
                 Does the Congress see Muslims as political partners—or merely as a vote bank during elections?
    The newly announced organization has 169 office-bearers in total. According to the list, only nine are Muslim, accounting for just 5.39% of the total representation.
    That figure itself raises an uncomfortable question for the Congress leadership:
    If Muslim voters constitute an important part of the party’s electoral support base in Uttarakhand, why is their representation in the party organization so limited?
    A Question From the 2017 and 2022 Elections
    The political significance of Muslim voters in Uttarakhand cannot simply be ignored.
    In the 2017 and 2022 Assembly elections, Congress candidates performed strongly in several constituencies where Muslim voters have a significant electoral influence. The argument can therefore be made that Muslim support has played an important role in helping the Congress maintain its political presence in the state.
    But if this support is politically important during elections, the question is:
    Where is the corresponding representation when it comes to power and organizational decision-making?
    Congress ruled Uttarakhand for around a decade. Yet, according to the political record cited in this debate, not a single Muslim MLA was included in the state Cabinet during that period.
    And now, with the announcement of the new organizational team, the issue of representation has once again come into focus.
    The message perceived by many is blunt:
    Muslim votes are welcome—but meaningful political representation remains limited.
    What Does Secularism Really Mean?
    The Congress has repeatedly projected itself as a major political defender of secularism and constitutional values.
    But secularism cannot merely be a slogan delivered from political platforms.
    It must also be reflected in the structure of political parties themselves.
    If a political party speaks about equality, inclusion and constitutional representation, then those principles should be visible not only in speeches, but also in organizational appointments, political leadership and decision-making positions.
    This raises a simple question:
    If Muslims are an important part of the party’s electoral support base, why does their presence remain so limited in the organization?
    The Politics of a “Permanent Vote Bank”
    Perhaps the most serious political concern is the perception that Congress continues to operate under an old assumption—that Muslim voters have nowhere else to go.
    The assumption appears to be:
    Whether Muslims receive respect or face neglect, whether they receive political opportunities or not, they will ultimately vote for Congress because they want to defeat the BJP.
    If such thinking exists within the party, it could prove to be one of Congress’s biggest political mistakes.
    For decades, so-called secular political parties have appealed to Muslim voters in the name of defeating the BJP.
    But a legitimate question remains:
    What has the Muslim community received in return?
    Equal representation?
    Leadership opportunities?
    A meaningful role in decision-making?
    Or merely election-time appeals and political promises?
    If the relationship between a political party and a community is reduced to taking votes while limiting representation, that cannot reasonably be described as genuine political partnership.
    It begins to look more like political dependence and electoral calculation.
    Representation Is Not a Favour
    Congress must understand that political respect also has a political value.
    A community that repeatedly turns up at polling stations and supports a political party has every democratic right to ask:
    Where is our representation in the organization?
    Representation is not a favour.
    It is not charity.
    And it should not be treated as a reward given only when politically convenient.
    If Congress wants to present itself as an inclusive and secular political force, then its organizational structure must reflect that claim.
    The Question Congress Cannot Avoid
    The issue is not about demanding special treatment for one community.
    The question is much simpler:
    Has a community that is considered an important part of Congress’s electoral support base received meaningful representation within the party organization?
    If the answer is no, then questioning this imbalance is not anti-Congress politics.
    It is a legitimate democratic question.
    The Congress leadership must now decide whether it wants the Muslim community to be treated as a political partner or merely as an electoral necessity.
    Because in a democracy, asking for votes becomes morally meaningful only when a party is also prepared to offer respect, representation and participation.
    And the Question for Muslim Voters
    The Muslim community must also ask itself a difficult question:
    Should unconditional electoral support for any political party continue indefinitely—or should every political party be held accountable for representation, respect and political participation?
    A vote is not merely a tool to defeat one political party and elect another.
    A vote is also a democratic instrument to demand dignity, representation and accountability.
    And perhaps the time has come for every political party in Uttarakhand to answer one fundamental question:
    “Do you want our votes—or do you also want us as equal partners in political leadership?”
  • Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Launches Awareness Drive to Help Eligible Voters During SIR Campaign in Dehradun

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Launches Awareness Drive to Help Eligible Voters During SIR Campaign in Dehradun

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Launches Awareness Drive to Help Eligible Voters During SIR Campaign in Dehradu

    Volunteers to assist voters with notices, document submission and BLO coordination; awareness announcements to be made through mosques.

    Nation Pulse 24 | 

    Dehradun: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Dehradun district unit, has decided to launch a large-scale awareness campaign to assist eligible voters during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The initiative aims to ensure that no eligible voter loses their voting rights due to lack of information or procedural difficulties.

    The decision was taken during a district-level meeting of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind held on Wednesday at Saeedia Mosque, Noor Enclave, Azad Colony, under the chairmanship of District President Maulana Abdul Mannan Qasmi.

    Speaking after the meeting, the organisation’s state spokesperson Mohammad Shah Nazar said that voters who have received notices from the Election Department under the SIR campaign should respond within the stipulated time. He said the organisation’s priority is to ensure that eligible citizens are not deprived of their right to vote because of a lack of awareness or difficulty in completing the required formalities.

    He announced that awareness messages would be delivered through mosques during Friday prayers, urging those who have received notices to submit the required documents to their respective Booth Level Officers (BLOs) within the prescribed deadline. Volunteers of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind will also provide assistance to individuals facing difficulties in understanding the process or submitting documents.

    The meeting also resolved to organise booth-level awareness camps, where voters will be guided through the notice-response process in a simple and accessible manner. Volunteers will coordinate with BLOs, help voters reach their designated booths, and assist them in completing the necessary forms.

    District President Maulana Abdul Mannan Qasmi said safeguarding the names of eligible citizens in the electoral roll is essential for strengthening democracy. He appealed to all recipients of Election Department notices to submit the required documents on time so that their names remain on the final electoral roll. He added that protecting the voting rights of eligible citizens is a shared responsibility of both the Election Department and society.

    Besides discussing the SIR campaign, the meeting also focused on several issues related to social reform. It was decided that Seerat-un-Nabi (ﷺ) programmes would be organised during the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. The organisation also resolved to promote social harmony, moral values and awareness against un-Islamic practices through mosque-based outreach.

    Religious scholars were further urged to address social issues such as drug abuse, excessive mobile phone addiction, dowry, and extravagant wedding expenses in their Friday sermons to encourage positive social change.

    The meeting was attended by several religious scholars, office-bearers and community members, including Mufti Wasil Qasmi, Mufti Ayaz Ahmad, Maulana Raghib Mazahiri, Mufti Raghib Qasmi, Master Abdul Sattar, Mufti Huzaifa Qasmi, Mufti Rashid Miftahi, Mufti Naseem Ahmad, Maulana Mohammad Mehtab, Qari Faik Ahmad, Maulana Gulsher Qasmi, and many others.

  • Administration Steps Up Preparations for 758th Annual Urs of Hazrat Sabir Pak in Piran Kaliyar

    Administration Steps Up Preparations for 758th Annual Urs of Hazrat Sabir Pak in Piran Kaliyar

    Administration Steps Up Preparations for 758th Annual Urs of Hazrat Sabir Pak in Piran Kaliyar

     Joint meeting reviews security, traffic, sanitation and pilgrim facilities; strict action planned against troublemakers

    Piran Kaliyar, Uttarakhand:

    The district administration has intensified preparations for the 758th Annual Urs and Fair of the world-renowned Dargah of Hazrat Sabir Pak in Piran Kaliyar. A joint meeting of administrative and police officials was held on Wednesday at the Kaliyar Police Station to ensure the event is conducted peacefully, safely, and in an organized manner.

    The meeting was jointly chaired by Roorkee Joint Magistrate Deepak Ramchandra Seth and Rural SP Shekhar Chand Suyal.

    Officials reviewed detailed arrangements in view of the large number of pilgrims expected from across the country. Discussions focused on security, traffic management, parking facilities, sanitation, drinking water, lighting, temporary toilets, barricading, healthcare services, fire safety, crowd control, and disaster management.

    Call for Strict Action Against Miscreants

    Local residents and community representatives urged the administration to take strict action against hooligans and anti-social elements to maintain law and order during the Urs. They also requested timely repair of damaged roads around the shrine, completion of the allotment process for prasad stalls, and better arrangements during the traditional Mehndi Dori ceremony.

    Departments Assigned Specific Responsibilities

    Joint Magistrate Deepak Ramchandra Seth directed all concerned departments to complete preparations well before the commencement of the Urs. He instructed officials to work in close coordination and ensure that every department fulfills its responsibilities efficiently.

    He emphasized that special attention would be given to parking arrangements, traffic diversions, drinking water, sanitation, lighting, healthcare, and security so that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience.

    German Hangars Reserved Only for Pilgrims

    The administration clarified that the German hangars to be installed during the Urs will be used exclusively for the convenience of pilgrims. No other events or programs will be permitted inside these structures.

    Officials also stressed the need to strengthen security measures, ensure smooth traffic movement, and complete all emergency preparedness plans well in advance.

    The meeting was attended by Bhagwanpur Circle Officer Sumit Pandey, Tehsildar and Dargah Manager Vikas Awasthi, Kaliyar SHO Kamal Mohan Bhandari, SSI Rajesh Bisht, Nagar Panchayat EO Kuldeep Singh Chauhan, along with officials from various departments and prominent local residents.

  • Historic Milestone: All 1,526 Uttarakhand Haj Applicants Selected for Haj 2027

    Historic Milestone: All 1,526 Uttarakhand Haj Applicants Selected for Haj 2027

    Historic Milestone: All 1,526 Uttarakhand Haj Applicants Selected for Haj 2027

    Uttarakhand achieves 100% selection in the Haj Committee of India’s digital draw; pilgrims advised to complete payment and documentation on time.

    Nation Pulse 24 | Piran Kaliyar

    In a historic achievement for Uttarakhand, all 1,526 eligible Haj applicants from the state have been selected for Haj 2027. The selection was finalized through the Random Digital Selection (Qurrah) conducted by the Haj Committee of India on 30 July 2026.

    Chairman of the Uttarakhand State Haj Committee, Khateeb Ahmad, congratulated all the selected pilgrims and described the 100% selection as a proud moment for the state. He wished the pilgrims a safe, peaceful, and spiritually rewarding journey.

    The Haj Committee has informed that the first installment of ₹1,52,300 per pilgrim must be deposited by 10 August 2026 through SBI, Union Bank, or via the Haj Committee of India website and the Suvidha App.

    Selected pilgrims are also required to submit all necessary documents, including a medical fitness certificate, passport copy, two passport-sized photographs, cancelled cheque, and the required declaration, at the Haj House, Piran Kaliyar, on or before 17 August 2026.

    Application forms and related documents can be downloaded from the official website of the Haj Committee of India. For further assistance, pilgrims may contact the Uttarakhand State Haj Committee at 01332-297520.

    Nation Pulse 24 congratulates all the selected pilgrims and wishes them a blessed and successful Haj journey.

  • Dehradun City Qazi Mufti Hashim Ahmad Qasmi & Former BJP Councillor Aftab Alam Lead Delegation to DM Over Mosque Loudspeaker Permission Issue

    Dehradun City Qazi Mufti Hashim Ahmad Qasmi & Former BJP Councillor Aftab Alam Lead Delegation to DM Over Mosque Loudspeaker Permission Issue

    Dehradun City Qazi Mufti Hashim Ahmad Qasmi & Former BJP Councillor Aftab Alam Lead Delegation to DM Over Mosque Loudspeaker Permission Issue

    Memorandum seeks early decision on pending applications since 2022; calls for lawful, transparent and equal enforcement of noise pollution regulations across all religious places

    Dehradun | Nation Pulse 24
    A delegation led jointly by Dehradun City Qazi Mufti Hashim Ahmad Qasmi and former BJP Councillor Aftab Alam met Dehradun District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan on Saturday to discuss issues concerning loudspeakers used for the call to prayer (Azan) at mosques.
    During the meeting, the delegation submitted a detailed memorandum requesting that any administrative action relating to loudspeakers be carried out strictly in accordance with the law and established legal procedures. The delegation also urged the administration to ensure that mosque management committees or the City Qazi’s office are formally informed before any action is taken so that compliance with prescribed norms can be ensured within the stipulated time.
    The memorandum further requested that the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 be implemented uniformly across all religious institutions, without discrimination.
    According to the memorandum, more than 20 mosques in Dehradun had submitted applications in 2022 seeking permission for loudspeaker use in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India, the Uttarakhand High Court, and the State Government. However, despite nearly three years having passed, the applications remain pending, with neither approval nor rejection communicated by the district administration.
    The delegation stated that recent police action against loudspeakers at certain mosques was reportedly based on the absence of official permission, even though the concerned mosque committees had already applied within the prescribed time. It argued that administrative action before deciding pending applications is inconsistent with the principles of natural justice, due process, and good governance.

    The memorandum requested the District Magistrate to:
    Decide all pending loudspeaker permission applications submitted since 2022 at the earliest.
    Grant permission to eligible mosques in accordance with the applicable rules and prescribed standards.
    Inform mosque management committees if any documents or formalities remain incomplete and provide them an opportunity to comply.
    Refrain from removing loudspeakers from mosques without following due legal procedure until pending applications are decided.
    Establish a transparent, time-bound, and fair permission mechanism to prevent similar situations in the future.
    The delegation also assured the administration that all mosque management committees would fully comply with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, court directions, and all conditions prescribed by the district administration while continuing to cooperate in maintaining public peace, law and order, and communal harmony.
    Among those present were social activist Khurshid Ahmad, Latafat Hussain, President of Tanzeem Rahnuma-e-Millat, Ameer Ahmad Qureshi, Secretary of Jama Masjid Paltan Bazaar, Haji Dilshad Qureshi, Master Mustaqeem Hasan, Tauseef Khan, Mufti Tahir Qasmi, Israr Ahmad, and several other community representatives.
    Notably, this is regarded as the first major public initiative undertaken by City Qazi Mufti Hashim Ahmad Qasmi after assuming office.

  • Dehradun City Qazi Raises Objection Over Alleged Removal of Mosque Loudspeakers Without Written Notice

    Dehradun City Qazi Raises Objection Over Alleged Removal of Mosque Loudspeakers Without Written Notice

    Dehradun City Qazi Raises Objection Over Alleged Removal of Mosque Loudspeakers Without Written Notic

    Letter sent to District Magistrate and SSP seeks due legal process; says Muslim community respects Supreme Court orders and noise pollution norms

    Report: Amaanullah Usmani 

    Dehradun | Nation Pulse 24

    Dehradun City Qazi Mufti Hashim Ahmad Qasmi has written to the District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) after receiving reports that loudspeakers used for the Azaan at some mosques were allegedly ordered to be removed without any written notice. According to the letter, oral instructions were reportedly issued in the name of Supreme Court directions, and in some places loudspeakers had already been removed.

    In his communication, the City Qazi stated that if any administrative action is required, it should be carried out strictly in accordance with the law and the established legal procedure.

    The letter further states that mosques across Dehradun and the rest of Uttarakhand generally use loudspeakers for the Azaan for only 10 to 15 minutes in a 24-hour period. It also claims that sound levels are maintained within the limits prescribed by the Uttarakhand Government’s notification dated June 9, 2021, relating to environmental and noise pollution standards.

    Mufti Qasmi said that whenever any complaint is received regarding excessive sound levels, the concerned Imam and mosque management committee are immediately instructed to ensure compliance with the prescribed limits.

    He also requested that any complaint regarding noise pollution should first be formally communicated to the concerned mosque management committee or the City Qazi’s office so that corrective action can be taken without delay. He added that noise pollution laws should be enforced equally at all religious places and strictly through due legal process.

    The City Qazi emphasized that the Muslim community fully respects the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court’s orders, existing noise pollution laws, and all directions issued by the Uttarakhand Government. He said the purpose of the letter is to maintain coordination with the administration, ensure lawful action, and preserve communal harmony.