Uttarkashi Mosque Dispute News: The dispute over a 55-year-old mosque in Uttarkashi has heated up. This dispute escalated when a religious organization of a community called the mosque illegal and organized a public anger rally against the administration. During the rally, questions were raised on the arrangements of the police-administration and they had to pay the price for taking it lightly. The atmosphere of the city became tense due to this dispute, after which the police have registered a case against eight named and 200 unknown people. 

This mosque, located at the foot of Varunavat mountain in Barahat area of ​​Uttarkashi, was built in the year 1969. About 4 naali and 15 muthi land for the mosque was sold by a person of one community to seven people of another community. In the year 2005, the registration of the land of this mosque was rejected, due to which it came into legal dispute. In September 2023, a religious organization of a community termed this mosque illegal and sought information from the district administration in RTI regarding its construction.

Based on the information received in the RTI, the organization declared the mosque illegal and decided to raise its voice against it. After this, on 6 September, the organization demonstrated against illegal meat shops and raised slogans against the mosque. The organization also announced a program for a big public anger rally against the mosque in the month of October.

Mosque is not on government land- Administration

On October 21, the district administration tried to settle the dispute by issuing a press release. The administration said that this mosque is not built on government land but on private land, and it is also scheduled in the government gazette of the Muslim Waqf Department. But the religious organization was not ready to accept this information and remained adamant on the demand to remove the mosque, calling it illegal.

 A mischievous element threw a bottle at the police 

On October 26, the organization took out a public anger rally against the mosque. The administration had given permission to the rally to take place through a designated route so that law and order could be maintained. But the protesters in the rally insisted on passing by the mosque, which increased tension between the police and the protesters. Meanwhile, some mischievous element threw a bottle at the police, after which the police tried to control the crowd by using mild force. This worsened the situation and a clash broke out between the two sides. After the incident of stone pelting and lathi charge, the police registered a case against eight named and 200 unidentified protesters.

An atmosphere of tension was seen everywhere in the city

Due to the dispute, the atmosphere in Uttarkashi remained tense for the third day as well. Subhash Badoni, president of the district unit of the Provincial Industry Trade Board, has praised the unity of the traders of the Ganga Yamuna valley. Also, in view of Diwali, he has appealed to all the units in the city to end the weekly closure and open the establishments so that people can do Diwali shopping. Despite this, an atmosphere of tension was seen at many places in the city.

Section 163 was imposed in the city after the incident 

After the incident of stone pelting and lathi charge, the administration imposed Section 163 in the entire district. Additional police force has been deployed in the district and security arrangements have been strengthened. In view of the dispute, police have been deployed in all major areas and the administration has instructed to keep a close watch on elements that disturb the peace in any way. Apart from this, the security of the mosque has been increased and efforts are being made to maintain dialogue with religious organizations, so that the situation can be normalized.

Decision will be taken in Mahapanchayat

The religious organization has announced to call a Mahapanchayat in Uttarkashi on November 4. The organization says that an important decision will be taken in the Mahapanchayat to remove this mosque. This has become a big challenge for the administration, as this may worsen the situation. The police-administration has decided to make tight security arrangements in view of the Mahapanchayat and has appealed to all the concerned parties to maintain peace.

Five big updates related to the controversy:

1. After the uproar in Uttarkashi, Section 163 has been implemented in the entire district.

2. Additional police force has been deployed in the city after the incident of stone pelting and lathi charge.

3. A case was registered against 208 people in the dispute, including eight named and 200 unidentified people.

4. Markets remained closed for the second day in various areas of the district.

5. The organization has announced to call a Mahapanchayat on November 4, in which a big decision can be taken regarding the mosque.

Police-administration appeals to follow the law

The dispute over the mosque in Uttarkashi has become a serious challenge to peace in the city. The police and administration are making every effort to control the situation, but the announcement of religious organizations to call a Mahapanchayat can make the situation more sensitive. All parties are being appealed to follow the law and maintain peace. The administration says that maintaining law and order is their priority, and no anti-social element will be allowed to disturb the peace.