Take action against those who attacked religious sites and Muslims at Vishalgad and Gajapur : MIM appeals to the District Collector

Despite the curfew orders, Muslims mobbed and raised slogans near District Collector’s office

Kolhapur – “On 14th July, some people attacked dargahs, mosques, and members from the Muslim community at Vishalgad and Gajapur. This resulted in damage to Muslim houses and shops. Due to this incident, religious tension was created in Kolhapur. Former MP Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje is responsible for this, and he should be arrested and severely punished. Legal action should also be taken against those who plotted and attacked religious sites and minority Muslims at Vishalgad and Gajapur,” stated a memorandum submitted to the District Collector by MIM.

1. Despite the curfew orders in the District, on 19th July, Muslims gathered and chanted slogans like “La ilaha illallah” (There is no God other than Allah), and “Allah-hu-Akbar” (Allah is great).

2. On the one hand, on 18th July, following a Police appeal, the entire Hindu community cancelled the Aarti scheduled in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue. In contrast, the Muslim community gathered in large numbers to display their strength. (This clearly shows who abides by the law and who breaks it in this country – Editor).

3. The memorandum states that MIM does not support the encroachment and other wrongdoings at Vishalgad. (If so, what have MIM officials and activists done to remove these encroachments so far ? How many memoranda have they submitted ? How many protests have they held ? Also, there is no record of any protests to stop the animal sacrifices and other inappropriate things that were happening till today – Editor).

4. Demands were also made to provide aid worth Rs 5 lakhs to those injured in the attacks and to immediately enact a protection law for the Muslim community. (Many times, and at various places in the State, the Muslim community has attacked Hindu processions. Various provocations have been used to attack the Hindu community and their homes. That is why there is a need to enact a law to take strict action against those who attack Hindus and not Muslims in the State – Editor).

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