Security tightened in Dhar distt

 

 

ONCE again ahead of Basant Panchami, Bhojshala mosque dispute has resurfaced in the State. Local administration has geared up and security measures are in place in Dhar and Pitahmpur town. Meanwhile, a section of people filed petition of urgent hearing in the Supreme Court seeking ban on prayers by Muslims this Basant Panchami.

 

As Basant Panchami coincides with Friday, the day of Jumma Namaz, an important day for Muslims, January 23. Petition asked for access of Hindus to perform Goddess Saraswati Puja on this auspicious day. The site, recognised as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is claimed by Hindus as a temple to Goddess Saraswati, built by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century, while Muslims consider it the Kamal Maula Mosque.

 

The application requests a ban on prayers on Basant Panchami and calls for enhanced security measures. As per an ASI order issued on April 7, 2003, Hindus are allowed to worship inside the Bhojshala complex every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer Namaz between 1-3 pm at the site on Fridays.

 

The dispute began to historical claims, with Hindus asserting the site was originally a Saraswati temple, later converted during medieval invasions, and Muslims maintaining a tradition of worship at the mosque. The Supreme Court is yet to hear the main case regarding the site’s religious identity, and security is being tightened at Bhojshala.

 

Barricades have been erected for the entry of devotees, and the police are fully prepared to handle the situation. On Monday, Indore Commissioner Sudam Khade and IG Anurag visited Dhar.