VARANASI, July 26 -- Mufti-e-Banaras Maulana Abdul Batin Nomani on Friday wrote a letter to President of India Droupadi Murmu, urging her to direct the Uttar Pradesh government to stop Dalmandi lane widening project in the temple town as he claimed that continuing with it will lead to demolition of several buildings and religious structures. "It is humbly submitted that Dalmandi, a historic and vibrant area of Varanasi, is a major business centre of Purvanchal, where people from diverse social, cultural and religious backgrounds have been engaged in business activities in mutual harmony for years. The livelihood of about 10,000 families is directly and indirectly linked to this locality," the letter reads. "However, under a project proposed by the Uttar Pradesh government, it has been decided to widen the approximately 13 feet wide lane in Dalmandi to 56 feet, for which a budgetary provision of about Rs 220 crore has been made. As a result, hundreds of shops, houses and religious places are proposed to be demolished....this decision can cause a deep social and economic shock to the citizens of this area," the letter claims. SM Yasin, joint secretary of Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee which manages the Gyanvapi mosque here, said, "Widening of Dalmandi lane project should be stopped since over 100 shops, which are source of livelihood for hundreds of people, will come under its ambit. Therefore, Mufti Sahab has written a letter to the President of India, urging her to instruct the UP government to stop this project." "A copy of the letter with the same request has also been sent to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav," he said. "Dalmandi area has been an excellent example of communal harmony. This area is not only important commercially, but it has also been the birthplace and work place of great personalities of literature, art and culture of India. Instead of this approximately 600-metre long route of this street, an alternative route of only 40 metre is also available, work on which can be done at a lower cost, minimum demolition and wider public interest," Nomani said in the letter. "There are 6 ancient registered Waqf mosques located on this route the demolition of which will not only hurt religious sentiments, but it can also create deep insecurity and resentment among the minority communities," he wrote. "The honourable Allahabad high court has granted a temporary stay order to the concerned mosques and building owners against this project, which makes it clear that legal complexities are also inherent in this project, he wrote. "Therefore, we humbly request that Your Excellency, taking cognizance of the seriousness of the matter, kindly direct the Government of Uttar Pradesh to suspend this project with immediate effect and look for its alternative routes," Nomani urged. "We request you to protect the livelihood, religious places and social harmony of the citizens of this historical region. We all will remain grateful for your kindness forever," the letter reads....