Hindu groups submit memorandum to authorities; anger and fear in Muslim community
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Tensions have reached a boiling point in Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra District as some Hindu organisations have reiterated their demand for the demolition of the Jama Masjid, claiming that it was built illegally.
These organisations claim that the mosque’s construction violates local regulations, and they submitted a memorandum to the local Municipal Council on Wednesday demanding immediate action.
The Nurpur Jama Masjid is not the first to come under scrutiny by Hindu groups in Himachal Pradesh. Similar controversies have erupted in the past regarding mosques in Sanjauli and Mandi, where Hindu organisations have raised objections over what they believe to be the unlawful construction of Islamic places of worship. The latest protest against the mosque, situated near the Nurpur Civil Hospital, has further ignited communal tensions.
The controversy took a new and more serious turn when videos recently surfaced on social media. The footage depicted a discussion between representatives of the protesting Hindu organisations and a cleric of the Nurpur mosque. In the videos, the Hindu group members accuse the cleric of providing misleading information to the Municipal Council regarding the mosque’s construction, resulting in approval being granted for a building they now claim was erected unlawfully.
Hindu organisations allege that the mosque’s construction proceeded without the necessary legal clearances and that the cleric misinformed the authorities to secure permission for the building. As a result, these organisations are demanding the immediate demolition of the mosque, with some suggesting that the mosque’s existence is part of a wider pattern of illegal Muslim construction in the region.
Ankush, one of the protestors, expressed his group’s anger: “We have submitted a memorandum today, not only to the Municipal Council but also to the Tehsildar, demanding action over the illegal construction of the mosque. It is essential that the authorities listen to our concerns and act quickly before the situation gets out of hand.”
The demands for the mosque’s demolition have sparked outrage and fear within the local Muslim community. Many Muslims feel that the ongoing protests and the relentless targeting of their religious institutions are part of a broader effort to undermine their rights and freedom to practice their faith.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a resident who is a regular at the Nurpur Jama Masjid, expressed his frustration: “This is not the first time that we have been targeted. First, it was the Sanjauli mosque, and now it is our mosque. We are being singled out and accused of things we have not done. This mosque has been built according to all the necessary regulations, and yet we are being harassed. It feels like we are not welcome here anymore.”
Another member of the community, Ali Ahmed, echoed these sentiments. “We are being painted as criminals just for following our faith. The accusations are baseless, and we feel powerless in the face of these protests. It is a direct attack on our religious rights, and we will not stand by silently,” he said, his voice filled with anger and frustration.
Many Muslims in the area believe the protests are not only based on legal grounds but are also influenced by growing Islamophobic sentiments in the region. “This is not just about a mosque; it is about the attempt to erase our identity,” said Imran, a local shopkeeper. “We have been living here for generations, and now, suddenly, we are being told that we have no right to build our places of worship. This is a violation of our rights.”
In response to the protests and the submission of the memorandum, Asha Verma, the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, assured the protestors that the matter would be thoroughly examined. “The Hindu community has given a memorandum to us today, and we will discuss the issue with the relevant departments. After demarcating the area, appropriate legal action will be taken,” Verma said, attempting to calm the situation.
However, her comments have done little to ease the mounting tension. Muslims in the area are watching closely to see how the authorities will handle the issue. Many fear that the Municipal Council’s investigation could be biased, given the vocal opposition from Hindu organisations. “We are worried that the authorities will simply bow to the pressure of these protests and take action against the mosque, even though we know it was built legally,” said Sami, a local Muslim youth leader.
The dispute over the Nurpur Jama Masjid is part of a wider trend that has been unfolding across Himachal Pradesh and other parts of India. Hindu organisations have increasingly raised objections to the construction of mosques, often claiming that they were built illegally or without proper documentation. This has led to heightened fears among Muslims, who feel that their religious practices are being systematically targeted.
The protests have also highlighted a growing sense of alienation within the Muslim community, who feel that their rights to worship freely and build places of worship are under attack. Many Muslims believe that these controversies are being fuelled by political agendas and rising Hindu nationalist sentiment, which has gained traction in recent years. “It is becoming harder and harder to live peacefully as a Muslim in this country,” said Hassan, a resident of Nurpur. “The government and local authorities seem to be siding with the protestors, and we are left to face the consequences.”
The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for further action. As the Municipal Council reviews the memorandum and investigates the allegations, the Muslim community is bracing for what they fear could be an unfair decision. Many Muslims feel that their faith and their community are being unfairly targeted, and they are determined to stand their ground.
“The authorities must recognise that we are not criminals. We are simply trying to follow our faith and live in peace,” said Faizan, another local mosque-goer. “We will continue to fight for our rights, no matter how long it takes.”
As the dispute continues, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the demands for action and whether they will take steps to address the concerns of both the Hindu organisations and the Muslim community. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for religious freedom and the rights of minorities in the region, and the entire country.