Amid communal tension, authorities have expressed concern over the role of social media in spreading misinformation
Team Clarion
JAUNPUR – A social media rumour about the discovery of a Shivling in a graveyard in the Nagar Kotwali area of the city in Uttar Pradesh has sparked controversy, with claims from both Hindu and Muslim communities adding to the confusion. However, police authorities have categorically dismissed the claims, stating that the Shivling has existed for years and was not newly discovered.
The speculation began circulating on social media, leading to heightened tensions in the area. Superintendent of Police (City) Arvind Kumar Verma clarified: “The claim about a Shivling being found is completely false. There has always been a temple at the location where people have been worshipping for years. To ensure security, police personnel have been deployed.”
Despite the assurance, the rumour reignited debates over the graveyard’s usage and its shared significance to both communities.
Local residents recounted the site’s history. Ratan Maurya, a long-time inhabitant, said: “Centuries ago, there used to be a Peepal tree here with idols of Radha Krishna and Ganeshji. Our family conducted regular puja. After the tree fell, a large Shivling became visible. This is not a discovery, and it should be respected.”
Maurya further advocated for the establishment of a dedicated temple at the site, claiming it would formalise the worship practices that have been ongoing for decades.
The incident has brought mixed reactions from the local community. The Hindu community sees the Shivling as a significant religious symbol and advocates for constructing a temple, while members of the Muslim community emphasise that the area has been in use for burials for years.
Former councillor Faisal Yasin explained: “This matter was settled in 2006 when both communities agreed on mutual terms. Hindus could continue performing puja during festivals, and Muslims would carry on with burial practices. There hasn’t been any conflict since then.”
Local councillor Ashfaq Mansuri echoed this sentiment, stating: “This has never been a point of dispute. Today, someone spread a rumour to create unnecessary tension. Hindus and Muslims have always coexisted here peacefully.”
Authorities have expressed concern over the role of social media in spreading misinformation.
City Magistrate Indra Nandan Singh, who visited the site with police officials, urged caution: “Social media can quickly escalate a situation by spreading false information. We request residents to verify facts and maintain communal harmony.”
While the rumour may have caused a stir, the larger narrative remains one of coexistence. As Mansuri aptly pointed out, “Both communities have respected each other’s beliefs for years. We hope to continue this tradition without letting baseless rumours divide us.”
Local leaders and authorities are now focused on dispelling the misinformation and reinforcing the agreements made in the past. The incident highlights the delicate balance of shared spaces in diverse communities and the importance of preventing communal discord in the face of misinformation.
As tensions subside, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of rumours to disrupt peace and the need for vigilance in maintaining harmony in multicultural settings.
