Uttarkashi Mosque Controversy: Tensions have escalated once again regarding the mosque in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, leading to the closure of the local market and heightened police presence throughout the area since morning. Devotees en route to the Chardham Yatra also faced significant challenges due to the unrest.Public rally organized by Hindu outfitsOn Thursday, a large rally organized by the Joint Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Dal took place in Uttarkashi, drawing participants from various Hindu organizations and business groups. Prominent Hindutva leader Swami Darshan Bharti was also in attendance at this significant gathering.Police intervention and escalating tensionsPolice set up barriers in an attempt to halt the rally, which only fueled the protesters anger. Hundreds of individuals took to the streets, demanding the mosques removal and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while blocking the highway. Protesters vowed to continue their sit-in until they were granted permission to approach the mosque. In response to the escalating situation, SDM Bhatwadi Mukesh Chand Ramola arrived to engage with the demonstrators.Clashes erupt during Jan Aakrosh rally, video surfacesAs the evening approached during the Jan Aakrosh rally, tensions escalated, resulting in violent confrontations between the protesters and police near the barricades. Following an incident of stone-pelting, police responded with a lathicharge to disperse the crowd. In the aftermath, protesters vandalized stalls belonging to traders from another community. The atmosphere in the city remains tense, prompting police deployment in various areas to maintain order.उत्तराखंड के उत्तरकाशी में मस्जिद को अवैध बताते हुए गिराने पहुंची भीड़ पर पुलिस ने किया लाठीचार्ज, इस मस्जिद को अवैध बता गिराने के लिए हिंदू संगठन हफ़्तों से अभियान चला रहे थे आज भीड़ लेकर पहुंचे और पुलिस द्वारा की गई बैरिकेडिंग तोड़ मस्जिद की तरफ़ बढ़ने लगे, पुलिस ने काबू पाने… pic.twitter.com/Ey245gRhIb— Zakir Ali Tyagi (@ZakirAliTyagi) October 24, 2024Background on the Mosques legal statusIt is important to note that Hindu organizations had previously organized a rally, labeling the mosque in Uttarkashi city as illegal. After filing a Right to Information (RTI) request, they initially received incomplete information regarding the mosques records. However, later disclosures confirmed the mosques legal status. In response, members of the other community submitted a memorandum to the Uttarkashi District Magistrate, along with documents such as the registry and account khatauni pertaining to the mosques land.
