The act of vandalism triggered strong reaction from the Muslim community, resulting in a face-off between the two religious groups. Prompt police intervention proved crucial in averting a potential showdown.
Team Clarion
ALIGARH — Tension is palpable in the city after a mosque at the Delhi Gate intersection was vandalised and Hindutva slogans were painted on its walls.
The incident on Saturday has heightened tensions between Hindus and Muslims in the area. It occurred amidst the ongoing celebrations related to the upcoming inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Reports said the BJP workers, engaged in writing Hindutva slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on walls as part of the celebration, inadvertently targeted the wall of a mosque.
The act triggered strong reaction from the Muslim community in the vicinity, resulting in a face-off between the two religious groups. Prompt police intervention proved crucial in averting a potential showdown.
The police initiated a dialogue involving representatives from both communities, successfully brokering a compromise. The controversial slogan on the mosque wall was promptly erased, and law enforcement has been stationed in the area to maintain order and prevent any further untoward incident.
A video depicting a BJP worker inscribing ‘the slogan on the mosque wall subsequently went viral on social media, adding fuel to the already sensitive situation.
Another incident involved installation of an effigy of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at a separate location and also marked with a religious slogan.
Media reports quoted the city’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Mrigank Shekhar Pathak as saying that an immediate spot inspection was carried out after getting the report. The writing on a shop adjacent to the mosque was promptly removed. “There was a dispute between the two sides, but amicable talks have taken place, restoring peace at the site.”
The individuals involved have been identified from video footage, he said.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP) met SP Pathak and submitted a formal complaint regarding the matter, urging strong action against the miscreants responsible for disturbing communal peace.
Samajwadi Party leader Manoj Yadav, who was part of the delegation, alleged that certain anti-social elements had tarnished the city’s atmosphere by engaging in such activities. He threatened to hold a protest if immediate action was not taken against the miscreants.
