The conflict's origin dates back to 2015, with the Village Development Committee asserting the land's historical use for cattle grazing. Conversely, the Muslim community contends that the site has functioned as a graveyard for over 150 years.
Team Clairon
HYDERABAD — A peace meet was held on Monday in Velpur village in Telangana’s Nizamabad district as communal tensions gripped the area following a call for a social boycott of Muslims over a dispute involving a piece of land.
A 150-year-old graveyard and and Eidgah (a place where Eid prayers are held) are situated on the contentious piece of land.
The peace meet involved the revenue divisional officer (RDO), members of the Waqf board, assistant commissioner of police and village elders.
Trouble began on December 9 when a call for a social boycott against the Muslim community was given by the Village Development Committee (VDC) in Velpur village.Additional District Commissioner of Police S. Jayaram was quoted by media reports as saying that Section 144 has been imposed in the area to avoid any untoward incident.
The VDC alleges that the 4.12-acre disputed estate historically served as grazing land, prompting the announcement of a social boycott of the Muslim community.
Notices were issued to both the VDC and the Muslim community, urging a peaceful resolution of the issue. However, VDC representatives failed to turn up for the meeting, The Indian Express reported on Tuesday.
On December 10, around 200-250 individuals from the Hindu community gathered at the disputed land and attempted to establish their control over it. Police intervention, including a lathicharge, prevented the situation from getting out of hand.
The conflict’s origin dates back to 2015, with VDC asserting the land’s historical use for cattle grazing. Conversely, the Muslim community contends that the site has functioned as a graveyard for over 150 years. Attempts to resolve the matter in Lok Adalat faltered due to the absence of Muslim representatives.
The VDCs, operational for over a decade in Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts, aim to self-organise and manage disputes without resorting to legal or police intervention. However, concerns have arisen about potential biases within these committees, leading to casteism and communal tensions.
Siasat.com provides additional insights into the ongoing conflict, covering actions taken by authorities, statements released by the Muslim community, and the historical background of the dispute.
The News Minute has delved into the broader issue of the VDCs and their potential role in perpetuating casteism and communal tensions. The report sheds light on previous instances where VDCs called for social boycotts of various communities.
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Media Photo: Police tries to control an angry crowd after a call for social boycott against the Muslim community was given by the Village Development Committee (VDC)
