Tension flares up in Haveri (Karnataka) over Waqf Board’s move to take control of Hindu temples
Stone pelting on a Muslim residence, vehicle set ablaze
Haveri (Karnataka) – Tension flared up in Kadakol village, Dist. Haveri, over a dispute involving Hindu homes, lands, and temples potentially being taken over by the Waqf Board. The Hindu community learned that local Muslims had filed a petition to register these Hindu lands as Waqf property, sparking a clash between the two groups and culminating in a stone-pelting incident late on 30thOctober.
1. Local Hindus accused Muslims of filing a petition to declare the land around Hanuman Temple and Durga Temple as Waqf property. When some Hindus confronted Mohammed Rafi, a local resident, over this matter, a conflict ensued. Stones were hurled at Rafi’s house, and a motorcycle was set on fire. Five people were injured in the altercation, with some severely wounded and transported to Hubballi for treatment. Heavy Police security, including reserve forces, has been deployed, and around 32 people have been arrested, most of whom are reportedly Hindus.
2. Villagers have also alleged that land records were tampered with, claiming they were altered under the orders of State Minister for Waqf Affairs, Zameer Ahmed. They fear that their homes could also come under Waqf control.
3. Authorities have started reviewing and verifying the list of properties claimed by the Waqf Board, with officials stating that no such Waqf properties exist.
4. Minister Zameer Ahmed expressed his concern, calling the Kadakol village dispute unfortunate and assured that the Waqf Board does not intend to take over anyone’s land.
5. The BJP has accused the Congress of encouraging the Waqf Board’s actions as part of appeasement politics. Basavaraj Bommai, Haveri’s BJP MP and former Chief Minister, demanded an immediate withdrawal of notices issued regarding Waqf.
Zameer Ahmed is pressurising officials to target innocent Hindus : Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the Haveri District Panchayat executive officers of issuing orders to take control of Hanuman and Durga Temples. He claimed that when Waqf Board members attempted to seize control of the temples, locals opposed them. The Police reached there and registered a case against residents who have lived there for 60 to 70 years. He said that Waqf wants to grab the temples and displace locals. He strongly condemned these actions, claiming that Zameer Ahmed is pressurising officials to target innocent Hindus.
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Editorial PerspectiveThe need to repeal the Waqf Act has become increasingly apparent through such incidents that surface daily. It is crucial for Hindus to exert pressure on the Union Government to abolish, rather than amend, the Waqf Act. |