BJP MLA leads the protest, and police step in to ensure a peaceful resolution of the issue
Team Clarion
BAREILLY – A protest led by BJP legislator MP Arya against the construction of a mosque in Kela Dandi village culminated in the halting of the work late Friday night. The protestors, including locals, expressed anger over the mosque construction, which they claim was being carried out with the support of local authorities, despite prior objections.
The protest, which saw participants from the Hindu community raising slogans and demanding action against those responsible for the mosque’s construction, was triggered by the resumption of work at the site. According to Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Mukesh Chandra Mishra, the situation in the village is now peaceful, and construction has been halted following police intervention.
Mishra further stated that the local MLA and his supporters dispersed after the police assured them the construction would be stopped. The protest comes months after BJP leaders had initially complained about the mosque’s construction, reportedly being built on private land. Following the complaints, the local authorities stopped the construction and locked the site, with police personnel stationed to monitor the situation.
However, recent developments saw a resumption of construction activities, leading to renewed protests. On Friday night, some individuals allegedly dismantled a part of the mosque’s under-construction wall.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya confirmed that police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel have been deployed at strategic points in and around the village to maintain order. Around a dozen individuals have been taken into custody and are being questioned about their involvement in the incident.
Arya, who represents Nawabganj assembly constituency, voiced his concerns over the alleged illegal construction. “The mosque was being built with the help of local authorities, and this has angered people in the surrounding villages. The police need to take strict action against this illegal activity,” Arya said during the protest.
As tensions escalated, the police acted swiftly to disperse the crowd and prevent any further disturbances. SSP Anurag Arya reassured the public that the village is currently peaceful, with continuous police patrols to ensure safety.
The incident has once again highlighted the sensitive nature of communal issues in the region, with both sides calling for a resolution to the ongoing dispute. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
