The gate of Lal Baradari Mosque, a 200-year-old ASI-protected monument at Lucknow University, was locked by the administration without prior notice
NEW DELHI — A tense yet remarkable scene unfolded at Lucknow University after the main gate of the historic Lal Baradari complex, which houses a mosque, was locked and barricaded by the university administration. While Muslim students offered prayers outside the sealed gate, Hindu students stood behind them holding hands, forming a protective chain in a rare display of unity that has since drawn wide attention on social media.
The incident took place at the Lal Baradari complex located within the University of Lucknow campus. The nearly 200-year-old Lal Baradari structure, built in 1800 by Nasiruddin Haider, predates the establishment of the university and is listed as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A mosque situated within the complex has been used by students for prayers.
Students alleged that the university administration locked the main gate without prior notice. When Muslim students reached the mosque to offer prayers, they found the gate closed and barricaded. As entry was denied, they offered prayers outside the complex.
During the prayers, Hindu students stood behind their Muslim classmates, holding hands to form a human chain. A video of the moment has gone viral online, with many users praising the gesture and calling it an example of communal harmony.
One Muslim student present at the site said, “We were surprised to see the gate locked. No prior information was given to us. We decided to pray outside peacefully. What touched us deeply was that our Hindu friends stood behind us to support us.”
A Hindu student who participated in the chain said, “This is not about religion. We are students first. If someone’s right to pray is affected, we stand together. We only wanted to ensure that no disturbance happened during the prayers.”
As news of the gate closure spread, a large number of students gathered in front of Lal Baradari and began protesting against the decision. Some students removed barricades and threw aside construction material placed near the structure. They alleged that the administration was preparing to seal the mosque permanently. “We will continue our protest until the gate is reopened,” one protesting student said.
In response to the protest, police personnel from several police stations were deployed on the campus. Officers remained present to prevent escalation and to maintain order. According to sources, the university’s Registrar had earlier written to the police seeking additional security arrangements in view of the fencing work around the Baradari complex.
A police official at the scene said, “We aimed to ensure that the situation remained peaceful. After discussions, the students calmed down.”
The university administration maintained that steps were being taken regarding fencing and security of the campus. Officials indicated that the work was related to the protection of the heritage structure. However, students questioned why the mosque gate was closed without prior consultation or notice.
Throughout the day, the presence of barricades, police deployment and groups of students created a sensitive atmosphere on campus. Yet, amid the tension, the image of Hindu students forming a protective ring during Muslim prayers became the defining moment of the incident.
A faculty member, requesting anonymity, said, “The situation was tense, but the students handled it with maturity. The unity shown during the prayers sends a strong message.”
The Lal Baradari Mosque remains at the centre of the dispute, with students demanding transparency and dialogue from the administration. For many observers, however, the day will be remembered not only for the locked gate but also for the unlocked spirit of solidarity displayed by students across communities.
