Protest by Hindu organisations to remove illegal mosque in Jabalpur (MP)

• Warning to demolish the mosque if not removed within 10 days

• The illegal mosque receives electricity and water supply from the administration

Jabalpur (MP) – Activists from the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal gathered in the Ranjhi area of the city, demanding the demolition of a mosque illegally constructed on Gayatri Bal Mandir land. Devout Hindu organisations have been protesting for several years, calling for the removal of this mosque. “We had complained to the administration before the mosque was built,” the organisations stated. They have now issued the administration a 10-day ultimatum, warning, “If the mosque is not removed, we will demolish it ourselves.”

According to Hindu organisations, protests over this mosque have been ongoing since 2021. On 12th June, 2021, a formal complaint was submitted to District officials regarding the mosque’s illegal construction. A large protest followed on 27th July, 2021, but despite this, no decisive action was taken, and the mosque’s construction continued.

#Hindu organizations protest in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) to remove an illegal Mo$que

– Warning to demolish the Mo$que if not removed within 10 days

– The administration is providing electricity and water supply to the illegal Mo$que

👉 It is shameful for the administration… pic.twitter.com/ehqx37KXLP

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) September 28, 2024

Later in 2021, the then-Deputy District Officer ordered a halt to the mosque’s construction, but locals allege that the work secretly continued.
Hindu organisations claim that people from other cities come and reside in the mosque, which poses a threat to law and order in the area. They have also expressed concerns about the presence of Rohingya Muslims. The Police presence around the mosque has been increased, with officers from several Police stations deployed for security.

The administration has made assurances on multiple occasions but has not taken any decisive action, according to Hindu organisations.
Despite questionable documentation regarding the mosque’s construction, it continues to receive Government-provided utilities such as electricity and water, according to the allegations.

After tensions escalated over the disputed land, discussions are ongoing among administrative officials. Hindu organisations argue that this issue is not just about land grabbing but also has religious and cultural significance. “Just like in Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura, illegal activities were happening there, and now the same situation has arisen here,” they claim.

Editorial Perspectives

• It is shameful for the administration that Hindu organisations have to protest to remove an illegal mosque.
• Instead of demolishing the illegal mosque, the administration is providing it with electricity and water supply, does it mean there is collusion between some elements in the administration and the mosque management ?