Community outraged as authorities disrupt 100-year-old practice
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Muzaffarnagar District Jail administration has banned the entry of Muslims into a mosque situated within the prison complex, a place where local Muslims have been offering prayers for more than 100 years. The ban has sparked widespread anger among Muslims who see the move as an unjust disruption of their religious traditions.
The mosque, built in 1838 during British rule, is located in the Muzaffarnagar Jail premises alongside a temple. For over a century, Muslims living in the surrounding areas have been using the mosque for their daily prayers. However, starting this Monday, jail authorities have prohibited local Muslims from entering the mosque.
Mohammad Rafi, a local, expressed his frustration. “I was stopped at the gate by the security personnel who told me that the jailer had ordered no one should be allowed inside for prayers. When I tried to speak to the jailer, he not only refused to listen but also threatened me,” he said.
Other Muslims in the area have echoed Rafi’s sentiment, accusing the jail administration of heavy-handedness. According to reports, worshippers attempting to enter the mosque have been turned away at the police post outside the jail gates, citing security reasons.
One local, who asked not to be named, said, “We have been praying here for generations. This is an important part of our lives, and now suddenly we are being treated like outsiders. It’s deep injustice.”
In response to the growing backlash, the jail administration clarified its position. The jail superintendent dismissed the allegations, stating, “These claims are completely baseless. Due to security concerns, we have only restricted the entry of outsiders. Muslim families of jail employees can still access the mosque without any issue.”
The jail administration insists that the ban was necessary to ensure the safety of those living within the jail premises. However, many in the community are not convinced, pointing out that the mosque and the temple have coexisted peacefully for over a century, serving as places of worship for the local population without any incidents.
This controversy follows closely on the heels of another viral incident in Uttar Pradesh, where a ticket collector reportedly stopped Muslims from offering prayers on a train. The timing of both events has added to the tension, with local leaders calling for a review of these policies that they say unfairly target Muslims.
The situation remains tense, with many calling for the immediate restoration of access to the mosque. The Muslim community is urging the authorities to reconsider the ban and allow them to continue their long-standing tradition of prayer within the jail complex.
As one protestor put it, “This is not just about security; it’s about respect for our religious rights. We hope the administration will listen to our concerns and find a way to resolve this issue peacefully.”
