Hindu Extremists Target Historic Shahi Idgah Mosque To Turn It Into A Hindu Temple
Hindu extremists have abused the Indian court system to target yet another historic mosque in Uttar Pradesh state with the intent of erasing its Muslim history and turning it into a Hindu temple. The latest target of this nationwide campaign to saffronize history is the 17-th century Shahi Idgah mosque, located in Mathura city in Uttar Pradesh, which extremists are demanding must be searched for “proof” that the mosque was built on the remains of a Hindu temple.
A plea submitted to a court in Mathura city falsely claimed that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had destroyed a Krishna temple in order to construct Shahi Idgah, and demanded a video survey in order to see whether “Hindu artifacts” and “ancient religious inscriptions” were inside the mosque.
The intent behind the petition is clear, as a similar survey of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi city allowed Hindu extremists to limit Muslims’ access to certain parts of the mosque by claiming that an ablution fountain was actually a Shivling, or a symbol representing the Hindu deity Shiva.
Shahi Idgah has been the constant target of Hindu supremacists due to its proximity to Krishna Janmabhoomi, believed to be the birthplace of Hindu deity Krishna. In December 2021, Hindu extremist groups threatened to install an idol in the mosque, leading to tensions and tightened security.
Hindu Extremists Submit Plea To Demolish Wall In Historic Gyanvapi Mosque
Gyanvapi mosque, another historical place of worship in Varanasi city of the state, remains under attack by Hindu supremacists, who have now submitted a plea to demolish the wall beside the centuries-old mosque’s ablution fountain, which Hindu extremists claim is a Shivling. Hindu extremists have been probing the mosque for “evidence” that it was once a Hindu temple through a video survey approved by the courts.
“We filed an application for the demolition of the wall beside the wazukhana (ablution fountain) so that we can enter further. The court will hear the matter today,” said Vishnu Shankar Jain, advocate for the extremists.
Hindu extremists falsely claimed that they have found “conclusive evidence” that Gyanvapi was once a temple, a claim that was reinforced when the Supreme Court ordered that the ablution fountain be sealed from Muslim access. The move sets a dangerous precedent for other historic Muslim monuments and mosques, which are in danger of having their Islamic history erased and saffronized.
Muslim NGO Tells BJP To Clarify Their Stand On Hindu Extremist Mosque Targeting
As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to fuel anti-Muslim hatred that leads to mosque probes and proposed demolitions, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has demanded that the ruling party make clear their stand on the targeting of mosques across the country.
“Places of worship of Muslims in the country are being targeted… It is a matter of great regret that the central government and the state governments are silent on this. Apart from this, the political parties who call themselves secular parties are also keeping silent,” said AIMPLB executive member Qasim Rasool Ilyas.
“The board has decided to bring the real intention behind all the disputes being raised regarding mosques before the people so that they cannot be misled…. The truth is that whatever is happening is being done to damage the unity and integrity of the country,” he added.
Opposition party leader Mayawati also slammed the BJP for “instigating religious sentiments” in order to distract people from issues like “unemployment, poverty and rising inflation.”
“The names of places belonging to a particular religious community are also being changed one by one. This will disturb peace, harmony, brotherhood and lead to mutual hatred in the country,” she stated.
Tripura Policeman Tortures Photojournalist For Reporting On BJP Policies
As attacks against journalists and media persons rage on in Modi’s India, a policeman in Tripura state detained and tortured photojournalist Nitai Dey while he was attempting to cover the restrictions imposed by the state’s BJP government on sale of petroleum oil products.
Nitai was reportedly harassed and verbally abused by policeman Arindam Roy, who then detained and tortured Nitai by forcing him to drink liquor and beating him.
Journalists in the area responded with outrage, including Agartala Press Club president Subal Kumar Dey, vice-president Arun Nath, and secretary Pranab Sarkar, who condemned the incident and demanded justice.
Following the outcry, Roy was suspended. However, police harassment and intimidation is growing increasingly common in India, which has been labeled by Reporters Without Borders as one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists.
