Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expresses concern over 'eviction notice' to Race Course Mosque in New Delhi

Chief cleric of Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) expressed concern over a reported eviction notice to the historic Race Course Mosque in New Delhi, a gazetted waqf property since 1977 and a listed heritage site.

"Deeply disturbing that Delhi's historic Race Course Mosque, a gazetted Waqf property since 1977 and a listed heritage site, faces eviction within six days," the Mirwaiz posted on his X handle. He said the failure of the waqf authorities to defend the mosque was also alarming.

"Equally alarming is the reported failure of the Waqf authorities to defend it. Is this becoming the new normal for Muslim places of worship? This is precisely why we strongly opposed the Waqf amendments and increased government control through appointed nominees over Muslim religious endowments. If even a legally recognised mosque cannot be protected, what safeguards remain for others?" he said.