Residents say police and officials acted under open threats by Hindu organisations in Morena village, fuelling fear and tension; claims of a temple are disputed
NEW DELHI/SHAHJAHANPUR — A centuries-old mosque in Morena village of Shahjahanpur district in Uttar Pradesh was partially demolished by the district administration on Monday after protests and open threats by Hindu organisations, triggering anger and fear among local Muslims and raising fresh questions over the use of state power against minority religious sites.
The demolition took place in Morena village under Puwaiya tehsil, where a heavy police force accompanied bulldozers to raze the upper structure of the mosque. Officials termed the construction “illegal”, while Muslim residents said the action was taken under pressure from Hindu groups who had warned they would demolish the mosque themselves if the administration failed to act.
“This was not a free decision by the administration. It was done after threats,” said a local Muslim elder. “We were told clearly that if the mosque was not removed, there would be violence.”
Hindu organisations have claimed that the mosque stood on land where a Hindu place of worship once existed, linked to what they describe as “Mansoor Baba’s shrine”. They allege that Hindus worshipped at the site years ago and that Muslims later built a concrete structure there, calling it a shrine, before constructing a mosque around a year ago.
Muslim residents reject these claims and say the narrative of a hidden temple is being used repeatedly to target mosques across Uttar Pradesh. “Every time, the same story is told,” said another resident. “First there is a claim, then protests, then threats, and finally a bulldozer.”
According to local sources, tensions rose sharply three days before the demolition when Hindu organisations warned the administration that they would take matters into their own hands if the mosque was not demolished. The warning caused alarm among officials, leading to a village panchayat involving members of both communities.
Police officials said the demolition followed “consent from both sides”. Muslims, however, dispute this claim. “What consent can there be when one side is threatened with violence?” asked a member of the Muslim community. “This is consent under fear.”
The administration demolished only the upper portion of the mosque, leaving the shrine attached to it untouched. This has now become the next point of conflict. Hindu organisations have publicly threatened to demolish the remaining shrine as well, calling it illegal.
A Muslim community representative said, “First they demolished the mosque, now they are eyeing the shrine. This will not stop here. Our places of worship are being picked one by one.”
The incident has added to growing concern over bulldozer action against Muslim religious sites and madrasas in Uttar Pradesh. In recent months, several mosques and madrasas have been demolished or sealed after protests by Hindu organisations, with officials often citing legality while ignoring the wider communal impact.
A local teacher said the action has damaged trust. “This has disturbed the peace of the village,” he said. “People are scared. The message is clear that Muslim religious places are not safe.”
Police have deployed a large force in Morena village to prevent further unrest. An official said, “We are monitoring the situation closely to maintain law and order.”
For many Muslims in Shahjahanpur, the damage has already been done. “The mosque was part of our history,” said a resident, standing near the debris. “It was demolished to please pressure groups, not to deliver justice.”
