External forces creating trouble, a letter to the District Magistrate says; authorities urged to restrict entry of outsiders to preserve communal peace
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Muslim community in Kamalpur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh has raised concerns over the potential disruption of peace in the area, demanding a ban on the entry of outsiders. The issue, which revolves around a mosque and a nearby temple, has led to increasing tensions between local communities, prompting the villagers to seek intervention from local authorities.
Kamalpur village, home to a mosque and a Pathwari temple, has been the site of growing tensions over the past few weeks. The issue gained prominence after the installation of an iron net near the temple on December 22 without prior notice. According to local Muslim residents, the platform on which the temple is built also has a significant Muslim population, with the mosque located nearby.
“The platform has been a symbol of shared space for both communities,” said Sarafat Ali, a local leader. “But when outsiders intervened and secretly placed the iron net, it sparked unnecessary controversy. There was no prior consultation, and now some individuals are spreading false narratives, saying a bell will be installed at the temple site, which is further escalating tensions.”
The net was reportedly placed as part of an agreement between the two communities to prevent any disruption in the area. However, the situation took a turn when rumours began circulating about the installation of a bell at the temple, prompting protests from Muslim residents.
In a bid to restore calm, several prominent members of the Muslim community from Kamalpur, including Anwar Khan, Haji Nasir, and Munna Khan, submitted a formal complaint to the District Magistrate (DM) seeking a restriction on the movement of outsiders into the village. Their letter highlights the sensitive nature of the situation, urging authorities to take swift action to ensure peace in the area.
“This village is very sensitive, and the entry of outsiders is only causing trouble,” said Anwar Khan, one of the complainants. “We are not opposed to peaceful coexistence, but when external elements start making inflammatory statements, it becomes difficult for us to maintain the peaceful environment we have had here for years.”
The letter sent to the DM emphasised the need for careful monitoring of those entering the village, particularly outsiders who have been allegedly involved in spreading misinformation and creating division between the communities.
The main grievance of the Muslim community is the role that outsiders are playing in fuelling discord. Locals believe that these individuals, who have no stake in the village, are attempting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere by making provocative statements. “They are saying things like a bell will be installed on the temple, which is completely false,” said Haji Nasir, a village elder. “These statements are only meant to stir trouble and make it difficult for us to maintain the peaceful coexistence we have enjoyed.”
The situation escalated further when a few outsiders made public statements about forcibly placing a bell on the temple. The issue became a flashpoint, with some members of the other community expressing their discontent over objections from Muslims. The local police were called to the scene to de-escalate the situation, but the Muslim community is now calling for stronger measures to prevent any further interference by outsiders.
Despite the tensions, many in Kamalpur, including both Hindus and Muslims, have voiced support for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. The agreement to place the iron net on the platform was initially reached with the understanding that no further changes would be made without consultation between both communities.
“Peace in this village has always been a priority for us,” said Munna Khan. “We don’t want unnecessary disputes. But when outsiders come in and disrupt the harmony we have worked hard to build, it becomes a serious issue. We hope the authorities will take appropriate action.”
The Muslim community in Kamalpur, while voicing its concerns, has also reiterated its commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with their Hindu neighbours. “We are not against the temple or the temple’s activities,” emphasised Sarafat Ali. “We only ask for respect and mutual understanding, so that both communities can continue to live in harmony, as they have for generations.”
Kamalpur’s situation is a reflection of the delicate balance that many villages in India face when religious sites from different communities coexist nearby. The peaceful cohabitation of the mosque and temple has been a longstanding feature of the village’s identity, but recent developments have raised concerns about external forces trying to stir unrest.
The plea to the District Magistrate and local authorities now rests on ensuring that peace is maintained, and that the involvement of outsiders is carefully controlled.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Kamalpur’s residents can maintain the unity they have long cherished or whether external forces will be allowed to disturb their peace.
