Uttarakhand Mahapanchayat calls for removal of 50-year-old mosque

Uttarkashi has been facing rising communal tension after a mahapanchayat, organized by Hindu right-wing groups, demanded the removal of a 50-year-old mosque. These groups claim the mosque, located in the Barahat area, is illegal. The event, held under the banner of "Devbhoomi Vichar Manch," drew about 500 participants, with tight security in place. Some members of the ruling BJP, including controversial leader T Raja Singh, spoke at the gathering.

The Mosque controversy

The dispute began in September when Hindu groups alleged the mosque was unregistered and demanded its demolition. A district committee later confirmed that the mosque was legal, built on land purchased in 1979, and registered as Waqf property in 1987. Despite this, protests escalated. Violent clashes broke out on October 24, injuring several police officers and protesters.

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The mahapanchayat also brought attention to broader issues like "land jihad" and "love jihad," terms often used by right-wing groups in anti-Muslim rhetoric. Leaders called for bans on meat and liquor shops in Uttarkashi, claiming they harmed the town's religious character.

Government and legal actions

The district administration imposed prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to maintain peace near the mosque. Despite earlier assurances to the high court that no rally would be allowed, permission was later granted for the mahapanchayat. The BJP-led state government assured the court of adequate protection for the mosque, with a further hearing scheduled for December 5.

Muslim residents remain fearful, staying indoors during the mahapanchayat. Petitioners against the event have submitted legal documents proving the mosque’s validity and criticized the administration for permitting the gathering. Hindu leaders have announced another mahapanchayat in a month, signaling continued tensions in the region.

This situation highlights the fragile communal harmony in Uttarkashi and the challenges of addressing such disputes in sensitive areas.