We are deeply disturbed by attempts being made by interested quarters to take over several historically important and protected monuments in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Hauz Khas, Siri Fort Complex and other areas in clear violation of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

The monuments where these attempts to encroach upon and offering Namaz have been made include the following

1. Mandi Mosque, near Dada Bari, adjacent to the Mehrauli Archaeological Park,
2. The Jamali Kamali Mosque and
3. The Mosque built by Daulat Khan abutting the Rajon ki Bain both inside the Mehrauli Archaeological  Park,
4. The Neeli Masjid, near the Hauz Khas Market and
5. The Mohammadi Mosque in the Siri Fort Complex behind the Siri Fort Auditorium.

The attempts to take over these monuments began on 23rd March 2009 with forceful entry into the Jamali Kamali Mosque and offering Namaz. Despite constant efforts by

the ASI including written complaints and filing of FIRs, nothing seems to be happening and several other organisations and individuals have jumped in to fish in the troubled waters. The situation is rapidly going out of control and immediate steps need to be taken to save the built heritage of Delhi.

We call upon the PM, who is also in-charge of the ministry of Culture to initiate immediate action to save these monuments from encroachment. We also call upon the Chief Minister of Delhi to rein in all such elements who are aiding and abetting the violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. We also call upon the authorities to initiate immediate steps to evict the encroachers and to take all steps to ensure the protection of all listed monuments.

Irfan Habib               
Ram Rahman
Amar Farooqui
D. N. Jha                   
Prabhat Shukla        
Arjun Dev
Sohail Hashmi         
Zahoor Siddiqui      
Shireen Moosvi