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Hindu organisations protest demanding action against illegal mosque in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Shutdown in protest of Police lathi charging the protestors

Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) – Hindu organisations have taken to the streets, demanding the demolition of an illegal mosque in Uttarkashi. On 24th October, local Hindus and religious groups held a protest march. Tension was created as the march faced stone pelting. Police resorted to lathi charge, injuring 27 individuals. In protest of this Police action, Hindu organisations called for a shutdown on 25th October, which received widespread support.

Hindu groups allege that a mosque was illegally built on Government land in the Barahat area of Uttarkashi, and they have continuously demanded its demolition. On 24th October, protesters marched from Hanuman Chowk, voicing this demand.

The march led to the complete shutdown of markets in Uttarkashi, Dunda, Bhatwadi, and Joshiyara. As protestors advanced from Hanuman Chowk towards the mosque, the District administration placed barricades on the Gangotri National Highway in Bhatwadi. When protestors attempted to remove the barricades, clashes broke out with Police, who stopped their advance. In response, the protestors staged a sit-in protest and began chanting Hanuman Chalisa.

Tensions escalated when protestors again attempted to remove the barricades, leading to further clashes with the Police, who then responded with lathi charge and tear gas. During these skirmishes, 27 people, including seven Police officers, were injured. The protesters alleged that the stone pelting on the Police was part of a conspiracy to escalate the situation.

Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Amit Srivastava stated that the stone-pelting incident is being taken seriously, and an investigation is underway to identify and take action against those responsible. He added that the situation in the city is now calm, with a strong Police presence for security.

Following the protest, security around the mosque has been tightened, and prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area.

What is the matter ?

Hindu groups contend that the mosque was built illegally on Government land, while the District administration maintains that the mosque is longstanding and situated on land belonging to the local Muslim community. A 20th May, 1987 gazette published by the Uttar Pradesh Muslim Waqf Board lists the mosque, and a 2005 order from the Tehsildar confirms it was built on relevant land. The controversy began after the United Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Sangh sought information about the mosque under the Right to Information Act. In response, the District administration provided limited details, citing a lack of necessary documents.

On 6th September, 2024, Hindu organisations staged a protest outside the District Magistrate’s office, demanding the mosque’s demolition and giving the administration a three-day ultimatum. They warned that they would demolish the mosque themselves if the demand was not met. Following this, the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi established a committee to investigate, which later concluded that the mosque is lawful and not situated on Government land.

Superintendent of Police Amit Srivastava informed ‘The Indian Express’ that records indicate the mosque is located on registered land owned by four individuals and that the administration has communicated these findings to the concerned organisations.

Editorial Perspectives

  • Why is it necessary for the citizens to protest to initiate action against illegal constructions ?
  • What does the administrative system responsible for taking action against illegal constructions do ? If it does nothing and hence, people take the law into their own hands, who will be responsible ? The BJP Government in Uttarakhand needs to consider this seriously.

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