Moradabad (UP) : Administration initiates restoration of a Shiva temple closed for 44 years in a Muslim-majority area

Temple was closed following 1980’s riots

Moradabad (UP) – The administration has initiated the restoration of the Gaurishankar Temple located in a Muslim-majority area here. The temple, which houses an idol of Deity Shiva, was closed for nearly 44 years. It was closed following 1980’s riots, during which the temple priest was killed and burned by fanatic Muslims. A total of 83 people lost their lives in the riots.

🙏🏻 Moradabad Gauri Shankar Temple in a Minority-dominated area, Reopens after 44 years. 🕉️

The temple was closed following the 1980 riots when the archaka was tragically murdered. 🚫

The administration began renovating the temple, and during the excavation, they found… pic.twitter.com/ig8mQLLgV1

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) December 31, 2024

1. The priest’s grandson, Sevaram, had lodged a complaint with the District Collector about the temple. He stated that the temple was constructed by his great-grandfather Bhimsen, and thereafter, his family had been performing the rituals. After the 1980 riots, the temple was closed, and a wall was erected at its entrance. Since then, no one visited the temple.

2. Sevaram, along with locals, protested to demand the reopening of the temple. In response, a team from the Moradabad Municipal Corporation and the administration visited the site. They demolished the wall blocking the temple entrance and cleared the debris inside. During the process, idols of Deity Hanuman and a Shivling were discovered. The administration has now commenced restoration efforts, with work expected to progress soon.

3. Last year, the Yogi Adityanath Government publicly released the investigation report related to the riots. Previously, the report had been kept confidential, as it could have exposed the actual perpetrators. The investigation revealed that leaders of the Muslim League, Shamim Ahmad and Hamid Hussain, along with their supporters, orchestrated the riots. Their motive was to revive the Muslim League in Uttar Pradesh. At the time, Congress was operating under the leadership of Hafiz Mohammed Siddiqui.

4. The Muslim League received financial support for the violence from Islamic organisations such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Tablighi-e-Islam. In the three months leading up to the riots, several violent incidents had occurred. Exploiting the heightened tensions, leaders of the Muslim League and Congress incited riots on 13th August, 1980, the day of Eid, by spreading rumours.

Editorial Perspective

Considering where and why Hindu temples were closed, it becomes evident that in India, it is not Muslims but Hindus are unsafe. To prevent such incidents from recurring, Hindus must remain united and vigilant, and Hindu nationalist Governments must establish control over Muslims.