Team Clarion
BENGALURU — In a development raising concerns over potential communal tensions, Samana Manaskara Vedike, a progressive organisation, has appealed to the Mandya district administration to reconsider granting permission for the Hindu Jagran Vedike Sankirtana Yatra scheduled for December 24 in Srirangapatna.
Representatives of Samana Manaskara Vedike met with Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumar and Superintendent of Police N Yatish, expressing apprehensions about the event. The Hindu Jagran Vedike’s program, aimed at rebuilding the Anjaneya Swamy Temple, allegedly seized by Tipu Sultan, has drawn attention.
During a previous event organised by the Hindutva organisation, an attempt was reportedly made to enter the Jamia Masjid, and houses of the minority community were targeted, according to the Samana Manaskara Vedike representatives.
In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, the Vedike highlighted statements made by the Hindu Jagran Vedike during its programs and through handbills. Allegedly, the organization has expressed intentions to demolish the Jama Masjid and construct the Modala Bagilvanjaniya Swamy Temple during the Shadani Mala Dharene and Sankirtana Yatra held from November 17 to 24.
Samana Manaskara Vedike argued that such activities not only pose a threat to communal harmony in Srirangapatna but also may be punishable under the Places of Worship Act, 1991. The Vedike urged the district administration to take necessary precautionary measures and carefully consider allowing the Hanuman Jayanthi program.
In response to the escalating situation, the district administration convened a peace meeting in Srirangapatna on Tuesday to deliberate on the yatras organised by the Sangh Parivar. The outcome of these discussions will be critical in determining the course of events and maintaining peace in the region.