Tensions Rise in Dhar as Hindus Celebrate Bhojshala Verdict with Maha Aarti Amid Muslim Protests
First Friday after HC verdict: 'Maha aarti' held at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaz at homes wearing black bands in protest
Image: Deccan Herald
Following a high court ruling that designated the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, as a temple, hundreds of Hindu devotees participated in a 'maha aarti' while local Muslims protested by offering prayers at home wearing black bands. The ruling has intensified communal tensions, with both communities asserting claims over the site.
- 01The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled on May 15 that the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi.
- 02Hindus previously worshipped at the site only on Tuesdays, while Muslims had conducted Friday prayers there for years.
- 03Muslims protested the ruling by wearing black bands during their Friday prayers at home, expressing dissatisfaction with the court's decision.
- 04A petition challenging the high court's ruling has been filed in the Supreme Court by the Muslim community.
- 05Around 2,000 security personnel were deployed in Dhar district to maintain peace during the religious activities.
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In Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, the first Friday following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's ruling that the Bhojshala complex is a temple saw a significant turnout of Hindu devotees for a 'maha aarti.' This event marked a pivotal moment, as Hindus had been restricted to worshipping only on Tuesdays, while Muslims had long offered Friday prayers at the site. The ruling, delivered on May 15, also quashed an order from the Archaeological Survey of India that permitted Muslims to pray there on Fridays. In response to the court's decision, members of the Muslim community protested by offering prayers at home while wearing black bands. Local Muslim leader Abdul Samad stated that although they respected the court's verdict, they were not satisfied and had filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the ruling. Security measures were heightened, with approximately 2,000 personnel deployed throughout the district to ensure peace during the religious observances. The situation remains sensitive, as both communities assert their rights to the historically significant site.
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The ruling has heightened communal tensions in Dhar, affecting both Hindu and Muslim communities' access to the site.
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