Hindutva groups plan agitation demanding Uttarkashi mosque demolition on Dec 1

The Uttarakhand government has denied permission for a mahapanchayat planned by Hindu outfits on December 1 in Uttarkashi, following the announcement by right-wing groups such as the Sanyukt Sanatan Dharm Raksha Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad to push for their demand to demolish a decades-old mosque.

In response to the tensions, the state government clarified to the high court that adequate protection has been provided to the mosque, including round-the-clock monitoring. This statement follows a recent court order directing authorities to safeguard the mosque and take action against hate speech, The Indian Express reported.

Petitioners had flagged concerns over anti-Muslim rhetoric and threats to minority properties, including the Jama Masjid on Bhatwari Road, which they claim falls under the Wakf board. Supporting their claim, they presented documents, including an alleged sale deed from 1969 and a gazette notification from 1987.

The controversy erupted in September when members of the aforementioned Hindu outfits allegedly issued threats to demolish the mosque. This led to heightened tensions that culminated in violence on October 24, involving stone pelting and vandalism, leaving several injured, including law enforcement officers.

Amidst this backdrop, Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Amit Srivastava, who had taken measures to prevent further unrest, was transferred within three months of his appointment. His transfer comes shortly after he led police efforts to stop a crowd from deviating from a pre-approved protest route near the mosque, an action that sparked the October violence.

The high court is currently hearing a petition filed by representatives of the Alpsankhayak Seva Samiti, who have sought protection for minority properties and a resolution to the dispute.