Half-day bandh held over Bhojshala issue in MP’s Dhar; police say situation peaceful

Dhar, Aug 25 (IANS) A half-day bandh called by Hindu organisations over the Bhojshala dispute was observed in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district on Tuesday, with most shops in major markets remaining closed and heavy police deployment in place to prevent any untoward incident.

The Sakal Hindu Samaj had called the shutdown till Tuesday noon, alleging that the district administration was not implementing court directions concerning the arrangements for Friday prayers near the disputed complex.

Members of Hindu organisations took out a motorcycle rally in the morning and appealed to traders to close their establishments.

At some places, members were also seen asking shopkeepers to shut their shops.

Schools, colleges, petrol pumps, medical stores and other establishments providing essential services remained open.

“The situation was completely peaceful and under control. Adequate police forces were deployed across Dhar, particularly in sensitive areas, to maintain law and order,” City Superintendent of Police Shashank Singh Gurjar told IANS.

During Tuesday afternoon, members of Hindu organisations took out a protest rally from Lalbagh to the Collectorate and submitted a memorandum to Dhar Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena.

Barricades had been erected outside the Collectorate as a precautionary measure, and protesters were not allowed to enter the premises.

However, administrative officials received the memorandum outside the main gate.

Hindu organisations alleged that the Supreme Court had directed that Muslims be provided space near the disputed complex for Friday prayers but claimed that the administration was facilitating prayers at Survey number 612.

They said the arrangement was affecting access to the Bhojshala site and hurting Hindu sentiments.

Coordinator of Bhojshala Mukti Yajna, Gopal Sharma, said that Hindu organisations had been raising the issue since 1987 and would continue to express their sentiments through protests.

Dhar Collector Rajiv Meena said the Bhojshala matter was currently before the courts.

On the dispute concerning Survey Numbers 596 and 612, Meena added that there could be multiple options for implementing the court’s directions and that the administration would act in accordance with the judicial process.

Notably, in May this year, the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that the disputed complex (ASI-protected Bhojshala complex) was a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, however, the Muslim side challenged the judgment in the Supreme Court.

On July 14, the Supreme Court had directed the state to provide an open space adjacent to the complex for Friday prayers between 1 and 3 p.m. as an interim arrangement.

Again, on July 30, it directed the state to facilitate Friday prayers on dargah land adjoining the complex, while leaving open the possibility of another site by mutual consent.

Later, on July 31, Muslims offered Friday prayers at the adjacent site amid tight security.

Reports identified the prayer area as Khasra Nos. 611 and 612, adjoining the Bhojshala boundary.

–IANS

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