Muslims fear another deliberate attempt to disturb peace in the city as authorities remain silent
NEW DELHI — A new dispute has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur after Hindu organisations claimed the well inside a mosque belongs to them. Local Muslims say this is another attempt to create tension in a city known for its shared culture and peaceful ties.
The old mosque, situated near the Town Hall in Sadar Bazaar, has been a part of the area’s Ganga-Jamuni culture for generations. But Hindu groups are now trying to take control of the well inside the mosque, saying it was once used for a wedding ritual called Kuen Vare.
On Saturday (6 December), members of the Hindu Yuva Sangthan submitted a memorandum to the district administration. They demanded that the mosque “release” the well, which they claim is linked to “Sanatan tradition”.
Rajesh Awasthi, one of the activists, said, “The mosque has been built by illegally occupying the well. The lack of action despite the court order is a gross negligence on the part of the administration. If the encroachment is not removed, we will be forced to launch a major protest.”
He also demanded the removal of the mosque’s loudspeaker.
Local Muslims say this is not a matter of faith for these groups but a planned attempt to target Muslim places of worship across the state.
A member of the mosque committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “This mosque has been standing here for decades. The well is part of our complex. People lived here in peace. Now suddenly they are claiming it. This is clearly to trouble Muslims.”
He added, “Such claims are being made at many places. It looks like an organised campaign.”
The Hindu organisation says that a court order was issued in 2013 for the demolition of the mosque, though officials and locals say no such action was taken because the matter was disputed.
Local Muslims believe the repeated reference to the old order is a tactic to pressurise the administration.
A resident of Sadar Bazaar, Abdul Rahman, said, “Whenever they want to create an issue, they bring up old matters. The aim is to portray Muslims as wrongdoers and take control of our places. People here have lived with respect for years, but these groups want to disturb that.”
So far, no statement has been issued by the district administration. The mosque management has also not released any official comment, possibly to avoid adding heat to the situation.
But the silence worries local Muslims. Many feel the lack of accountability encourages such groups to bring fresh claims again and again.
A local youth said, “They know no one will question them. That is why they keep targeting mosques, madrasas and shrines. It is happening in many cities.”
For the past few years, several mosques, madrasas and Eidgahs in Uttar Pradesh have faced similar pressure. Complaints, inspections and demands from Hindu groups have increased. In many cases, Muslims say they are being pushed into defending their own religious places without any wrongdoing.
Residents in Shahjahanpur fear that this new dispute over a simple well will be used to build a larger controversy.
A social worker from the city commented, “Shahjahanpur has always been peaceful. These groups come from outside and try to create rifts. People know exactly what is happening.”
The people of the area worry that this new claim might turn into another major controversy if authorities do not step in quickly. Many say it is the administration’s responsibility to stop those who raise baseless complaints.
A local shopkeeper said, “Muslims are already under pressure in many places. Every few days, someone files a complaint about a mosque. This is not about faith. This is about targets.”
Residents, especially Muslims, are asking for a calm and fair response from the authorities.
“We only want peace,” said a retired teacher from the community. “If the administration checks the facts, everything will be clear. But if they stay silent, these groups will keep creating trouble. It is our request that the truth be respected.”
