Memorandum submitted to senior police official amidst claims of alteration and encroachment
Team Clarion
AHMEDABAD – The Gujarat Muslim Hit Rakshak Committee, led by its convener Mufti Rizwan Tarapuri, has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Rural Ahmedabad, calling for urgent action to protect the historic Pirana shrine.
The committee is an umbrella of Muslim organisations in the state.
Located 18 km from Ahmedabad, the shrine of Hazrat Pir Imam Shah Bawa, visited by people of all religions, faces significant challenges.
“This dargah is a national monument symbolising inclusion and diversity,” stated Tarapuri. “Attempts are being made to reclassify it as a Hindu temple and declare Imam Shah Bawa a Hindu deity, altering its character.”
The management of the shrine has traditionally been in the hands of Sayyids, descendants of Pir Imam Shah Bawa, and the Satpanthis, his followers. However, recent actions by Satpanthi-Trustees to redefine the shrine’s religious identity have led to changes in its structure.
“These modifications disrespect the shrine’s heritage and hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community,” Tarapuri said. Despite filing numerous petitions with various authorities, including the Police Department and Home Department, no action has been taken.
“We urge authorities to preserve the shrine’s historical and religious integrity,” Tarapuri added. “This isn’t just about a building; it’s about protecting a legacy of communal harmony.”
Locals and shrine supporters, like Ahmed Khan, echo these sentiments. “The shrine is a testament to our shared history and cultural diversity,” he said.
The committee hopes the memorandum will prompt immediate intervention to safeguard the shrine for future generations.