Controversy in Haridwar: Mosques and Mazar Covered During Kanwar Yatra Route, Later Removed
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th July 2024
In a recent incident in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, facades of two mosques and a mazar along the Kanwar Yatra route were draped with large white cloths on Friday to “prevent trouble.” This measure was, however, retracted by the evening following objections from various quarters.
The coverings, hung on bamboo scaffoldings, were placed in front of the religious structures located in the Jwalapur area. The mosque’s maulana and the mazar’s caretakers were caught off guard, stating they were unaware of any administrative orders for such action. They also mentioned that this was an unprecedented measure during the yatra.
Despite the unavailability of comments from the Haridwar senior superintendent of police and the district magistrate, Cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj addressed the issue, stating the action was intended to maintain peace. “Any such thing is done only to prevent trouble,” he told reporters, as quoted by news agency PTI. Maharaj downplayed the incident, comparing it to covering buildings under construction.
The district administration responded to the objections by removing the cloths. Danish Ali, a special police officer appointed for the yatra’s management, explained that the removal was prompted by orders from the railway police post.
The decision to cover the mosques and mazar drew significant criticism from locals and politicians. Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi expressed his disapproval, noting that Muslims in Haridwar have always welcomed Shiv bhakts (devotees) during the kanwar fair, often arranging refreshments for them. Qureshi emphasized that this gesture exemplifies the harmony between Hindus and Muslims in Haridwar and that there has never been a tradition of using curtains.
Shakeel Ahmad, a caretaker of one of the mazars, echoed Qureshi’s sentiments, highlighting that no consultation was made with the caretakers regarding the covering of the religious structure. He also noted that kanwariyas often rest under the shade of trees near mosques and mazars, and this was the first time such a measure had been taken.
Former district panchayat president Rao Afaque Ali expressed surprise at the administration’s decision, pointing out that it had never happened before. He stressed the inclusive nature of Indian society, where people respect all religions and questioned the implications of such actions if they were to be reciprocated with temples being covered in a similar manner.
Uttarakhand Congress vice president Suryakant Dhasmana criticized the move, claiming it was a “contempt of the Supreme Court.” He referenced a Supreme Court stay on an order that required hotel and restaurant owners and fruit vendors on the yatra route to display their names, caste, and religious identity. Dhasmana accused the ruling BJP of continuing with divisive and discriminatory politics, which he argued has been rejected by the electorate in various regions.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about communal harmony and the actions taken by authorities in sensitive situations. The removal of the coverings has been seen as a step towards addressing the concerns raised by the community, but it also underscores the need for careful consideration and consultation in managing religious and cultural events in a diverse society.
