Muslim orgs allege threats to Uttarkashi mosque's legitimacy

Uttarkashi: In a fresh twist in the continuing campaign by Hindutva organisations seeking the demolition of a mosque in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, Muslim organisations have expressed alarm.

They are concerned that the administration would yield to pressure to falsify documentation related to the mosque's legitimacy. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Ishtiyak Ahmed, head of the Uttarkashi Jama Masjid Committee, voiced profound concern about potential external pressures on the administration's decision-making.

"We are deeply concerned that external pressures could influence the administration's decisions," he stated. He further emphasized the mosque's legal standing, asserting, "Our mosque has legal standing, and we will not stand idly by while attempts are made to undermine it.”

Following repeated demands from Hindu organisations, including the Sanyukt Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Sangh, to demolish a 55-year-old mosque in Uttarkashi, Muslim petitioners sought High Court protection.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Nainital High Court directed the state government to implement strong law and order measures in and around the mosque, TNIE reported.

"We have approached the High Court seeking protection for the mosque," said President Ahmed. "Despite this, we remain steadfast in our demand for enhanced security measures," he added.

The administration on the other hand has resolutely dismissed the concerns raised by the Muslim groups. "There is no basis for such fears; we are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all communities are treated fairly," stated Mukesh Ramola, the sub-divisional magistrate of Bhatwari.

"How can there be any tampering with the documents when they (mosque committee) have certified copies? If anyone interferes with the documents in the record room, a criminal case will be filed," stated SDM Ramola.

On November 22, a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal heard a plea in the case. The bench gave orders to the state government and the Director General of Police, emphasising the need of maintaining regional peace and order.

In a recent development, the Sanyukt Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Sangh, which has launched a campaign against a local mosque, hosted a large Mahapanchayat Sunday. T. Raja Singh, Telangana's firebrand MLA, attended the ceremony, as did other VHP and BJP officials.

During the meeting, Raja encouraged Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to follow Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's approach in dealing with issues of love and land 'jihad.'

In an unexpected turn of events, the Mahapanchayat met as scheduled, despite assurances from government counsel in the High Court that "no permission" had been granted for the event.