Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The serene district of Mewat has been plunged into chaos and sorrow as communal violence has left a trail of destruction, with 13 mosques vandalized and religious books burnt. The situation escalated to a point where the High Court intervened, condemning the state government’s actions and likening them to a form of community genocide.
In the wake of these tragic events, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has taken up the mantle of providing relief, conducting surveys, and pursuing legal avenues to address the aftermath of the communal disturbances. Under the directive of JUH President Maulana Mahmood Asa’d Madani, a delegation has been actively engaged in assessing the situation and offering support to the affected community.
The delegation, led by Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, along with prominent organizers such as Maulana Ghayur Ahmed Qasmi and Maulana Qari Naushad Adil, has been at the forefront of addressing this dire situation. Their efforts have been instrumental in shedding light on the extent of the damage and the plight of those affected.
Reports from the delegation indicate that the violence targeted places of worship belonging to the Muslim community, with 13 mosques bearing the brunt of the unrest. In Palwal, six mosques were burnt, while Hodal and Sohna each saw three mosques affected. Tragically, one mosque in Gurugram suffered a fatal casualty as the deputy imam lost his life.
The situation took a grim turn when the state government and administration reportedly began demolishing Muslim residences and shops. Punjab and Haryana High Court swiftly intervened, condemning these actions and preventing the situation from deteriorating further. The Court’s intervention was crucial in preventing an even greater tragedy, but concerns remain as those responsible for the violence have yet to face legal consequences.
The delegation’s visit to the Bazarwali Mosque and Eidgahwali Mosque in Hodal provided a stark illustration of the devastating impact of the unrest. Once vibrant centers of community life, these mosques now stand as somber reminders of the sectarian tensions that have torn through the district.
The affected mosques, each carrying a piece of the community’s history and faith, are as follows:
- Anjuman Islam Masjid Gurugram
- Maulvi Jameel Wali Masjid Sohna
- Shahi Jami Masjid Bara Khamba Sohna
- Lakkadshah Masjid Sohna
- Bazaar Wali Masjid Hodal
- Eidgah Masjid Hodal
- Punjabi Colony Jama Masjid Hodal
- Madrasa Wali Masjid Palwal
- Peer Gali Wali Masjid Palwal
- Guptaganj Wali Masjid Palwal
- Kali Masjid Palwal
- Haji Nizam Wali Masjid Bus Stand Pulwal
- Rasulpur Gaon Wali Mosque Palwal
As Mewat grapples with the aftermath of this heart-wrenching ordeal, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind’s efforts to provide relief, advocate for justice, and mend the wounds of a traumatized community stand as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of communal strife. The extent of the damage serves as a reminder of the urgent need for unity, understanding, and tolerance in our society.
