Chikkamagaluru (Karnataka): 250 Muslims bulldoze Nellore Muth’s land

• Jamia Masjid committee members take action citing the Court has ruled in their favour

• Case registered against 14 people

Chikkamagaluru (Karnataka) – The two-decade-long conflict between the Nellore Muth and Jamia Masjid in this city has now reached its peak. On March 4th, members of the masjid committee near Hanumanthappa Circle in the city, started demolishing the muth, houses and a hotel on the disputed site without informing the municipal corporation, stating that the Karnataka High Court has given an order in their favour. The action was carried out by mobilising over 250 Muslims and using bulldozers.

1. The Nellore Muth family claims that this land belongs to the Nellore Muth, while the Jamia Masjid claims that this land belongs to Muslims. The bulldozer action has created an atmosphere of tension in the area.

2. While the bulldozer was being moved, Nellore Muth family members, BJP activists and activists of pro-Hindu organisations reached the spot. The activists expressed anger. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the Police stopped the action of removing the encroachments by maintaining strict security.

3. At this time, Superintendent of Police Vikram Amte directed the members of the masjid committee to be present for the meeting. Pro-Hindu activists also participated in this meeting.

4. At the meeting, the Police only expressed displeasure over the members of the Jamia Masjid for taking sudden action without informing the Police and the municipality.

5. Pro-Hindu activists demanded that the demolished construction be restored, compensation be paid, the bulldozer be seized, and a case be registered against those who removed the so-called encroachments. In this regard, the Nellore Muth family and the hotel owner have filed a complaint at the Basavanahalli Police station.

6. Due to increasing pressure from Hindus, a case has been registered against 14 members of Jamia Masjid committee, including Waqf Board officials.

Editorial Perspectives

• Ever since Mahmud of Ghazni started demolishing Hindu temples 1,000 years ago, first him and later his descendants have been demolishing Hindu Muths and temples. This situation explains the inevitability of the Hindu Rashtra.

• Even if Hindus had expressed the intention of demolishing an unauthorised dargah or mosque, the Karnataka Police would have arrested and imprisoned them for years.