Anti-Mosque protest in Uttarkashi turns violent, Four police officers injured, Muslim shops targeted | WATCH

In a tense altercation on Thursday in Uttarkashi, four police officers were injured and several shops owned by Muslim residents were vandalized after violence broke out during an attempt by right-wing groups and locals to approach a mosque they had threatened to demolish. The protesters claimed the 55-year-old mosque was "illegally built" despite a recent statement from the district administration affirming its legal registration in 1969.

Police action and injuries

As tensions escalated, law enforcement officers attempted to prevent the protesters from advancing towards the mosque, resulting in clashes. Protesters began throwing stones at police, leading to officers resorting to a lathicharge and later conducting a flag march to control the crowd. "Appropriate action was taken after protesters turned violent, injuring four officers," Uttarkashi SP Amit Srivastava reported. He confirmed that no formal case had been registered yet, though video and CCTV evidence are being reviewed to identify those involved. "A case will be filed once the individuals responsible for the violence are identified," Srivastava added.

This is how the police force was attacked during the Aakrosh rally held by #Hindutva outfits against a mosque in #Uttarakhand's #Uttarkashi on Thursday.

The policemen were hiding behind a vehicle as stones were pelted on them. 8 policemen got injured; 2 are serious. pic.twitter.com/Ooc9SCyGMJ

— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) October 25, 2024

Right-wing groups deny Mosque's legality

Members of right-wing organisations, including Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, operating under the 'Sanyukta Sanatan Dharm Rakshak Sangh Uttarakhand,' dismissed the administration's clarification, claiming that only the land—not the mosque itself—had been approved as legal. In a public statement, they asserted, “We have all the documents proving the mosque’s illegality and will soon make these available to the public.”

Rising tensions amid protest and security deployment

The unrest follows a similar rally held on September 10, where demonstrators demanded the demolition of the Jama Masjid and the expulsion of nearby Muslim families. In anticipation of Thursday’s planned rally, local police had fortified security, placing barricades around the mosque to control access. However, protesters gathered at Hanuman Chowk around 9 a.m., quickly increasing in numbers by noon, with some reportedly chanting inflammatory slogans.

A member of the minority community, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, "Despite the administration confirming the mosque’s legality, protesters ignored the decision, attacked police, and damaged at least four Muslim-owned shops. We are deeply concerned and wish to live in peace." Naeem Qureshi, president of Muslim Sewa Sangathan in Dehradun, condemned the administration's handling of the situation, stating, "The rally’s violence reflects a disregard for law and an agenda aimed at creating tension. We demand stronger measures to ensure the safety and equality of all citizens in Uttarakhand.”