It is claimed that nearly three bighas of land at Desula village is listed as a graveyard in revenue records
ALWAR — Tension has risen in Desula village of Alwar district in Rajasthan after members of the Muslim community accused some locals of attempting to take over land recorded as a graveyard. Protesters gathered at the mini secretariat on Friday and submitted a memorandum to the district collector, asking for quick action to protect the site.
The dispute centres on nearly three bighas of land that community leaders say is entered in revenue records as a Muslim graveyard. Demonstrators said the land carries deep religious meaning and any attempt to occupy it would hurt community sentiments.
Rahul Khan, district president of the Muslim Mahasabha, said the land was clearly marked in official records. “About two and three-quarter bighas in Desula are registered as a qabristan (graveyard). Despite this, there is an attempt to grab the land. This is not acceptable,” he said.
Khan alleged that some members of another community were trying to take possession of the site, leading to unease in the village. “Such acts are creating fear and anger among local Muslims. The administration must step in before the situation worsens,” he said.
Protesters urged the district administration to send a patwari to the site without delay and carry out a proper measurement of the land. They said this would clear doubts and stop further tension. “A clear demarcation will show the truth. We are asking for a lawful process and nothing else,” another protester said.
Community members said the issue was not only about land, but about respect for religious places. “A graveyard is linked to faith and dignity. No society can allow its burial ground to be taken away,” said a local elder who joined the protest.
The memorandum submitted to the collector calls for the immediate removal of any illegal structures and strict action against those involved. Protest leaders warned that silence or delay would lead to a larger movement. “If the encroachment is not removed, we will intensify our protest,” Khan said. “We want peace, but we will not stay quiet on this matter.”
Officials at the mini secretariat accepted the memorandum and assured the protesters that the complaint would be looked into. No official statement had been released at the time of filing this report.
Local residents said the administration’s next steps would be key to easing tensions in Desula. For now, the Muslim community remains firm in its demand that the graveyard land be protected as per records and law.
