A village in Uttar Pradesh becomes the epicentre of communal tension as Hindus object to Muslims offering prayers in an empty house
Team Clarion
BADAUN – A simmering dispute over religious practices has turned the village of Nagpur in Badaun district into a flashpoint of communal tension. A video that surfaced on social media has intensified the issue, showing Muslim villagers pleading to be allowed to offer namaz, while members of the Hindu community insist on police intervention before any religious activities are permitted.
Nagpur village, lacking a mosque for its Muslim residents, saw the transformation of a vacant house into a madrasa a few months ago. Initially used for children’s education, the house gradually became a place where people started gathering for prayers. However, as the number of worshippers increased, members of the Hindu community raised objections, arguing that religious activities in the madrasa required official permission.
The tension escalated when village head Daya Ram cited the prolonged closure of local Hindu temples to justify opposing the namaz. “Our temples have been locked for decades, and we are not even allowed to worship there. Why should they be allowed to offer prayers here?” he questioned. His remarks reflect the growing chasm of mistrust and animosity between communities.
The social media video capturing the heated exchange between the two communities has garnered widespread attention. In the footage, Muslim residents are seen earnestly requesting permission to perform their religious duties, while Hindu villagers demand a formal sanction from the police. Local administrative officials, including the Tehsildar and Circle Officer, have intervened by denying permission for namaz in the madrasa.
This incident is not an isolated one but part of a larger trend of temple-mosque politics gripping Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India. The use of religious identity as a tool for political mobilisation has deepened communal fault lines, making coexistence increasingly fragile.
Prof Sayeed Anwar, a sociologist from Aligarh, commented on the situation: “The fabric of communal harmony is being torn apart by the politicisation of religion. Everyday disputes are now framed as existential threats to one’s faith, leaving little room for dialogue or mutual respect.”
The absence of a mosque in Nagpur has long been a sore point for the Muslim community, which comprises a significant portion of the village’s population. A local Muslim resident, Salim, explained, “We are not asking for much — just a place to pray peacefully. This house was lying vacant for years. Now, when we use it for prayer, it suddenly becomes a problem.”
The Hindu community, however, remains steadfast in its opposition. “Allowing them to offer prayers without permission sets a precedent,” argued Ram Prakash, a village elder. “What starts as a small gathering today could turn into something uncontrollable tomorrow.”
Faced with the escalating tension, local authorities have been cautious in their response. The district administration has refrained from taking sides, instead urging both communities to resolve the issue amicably.
In a statement, the District Magistrate said, “We are aware of the sensitivity of the matter. A meeting will be convened with representatives from both communities to find a solution that respects everyone’s rights.”
The incident in Nagpur is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing India’s pluralistic society. While the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, its interpretation often becomes contentious in the face of communal biases and political expediency.
Dr Arif Khan, a historian, notes: “The lack of equitable access to religious spaces is a symptom of deeper systemic issues. Until we address these underlying inequalities, such incidents will continue to occur.”
Amid the tension, some voices in the village are calling for calm and unity. Rafiq Ahmed, a local teacher, remarked, “We have lived together in peace for decades. Why should we let politics dictate how we treat our neighbours? Religion should bring people together, not tear them apart.”
Similarly, Sunita Devi, a homemaker, urged restraint on both sides. “We have to think about the future of our children. Hatred will only destroy our community.”
The unfolding situation in Badaun underscores the urgent need for dialogue and understanding between India’s diverse communities. As the flames of hatred threaten to consume the social fabric, it falls upon leaders, citizens, and policymakers to reaffirm the values of coexistence and mutual respect.
For now, Nagpur remains tense, but the hope for reconciliation lingers in the voices of those who refuse to succumb to division. As Ahmed poignantly stated, “Hatred is easy, but building bridges takes courage. Let’s choose courage.”
