Security Heightened at Dhar's Bhojshala Complex Following Supreme Court Directive
Security measures have been significantly reinforced in the Bhojshala area of Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, where a long-standing religious dispute continues to unfold. This development comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court order that has paved the way for both Hindu and Muslim communities to conduct their respective prayers at the contested site.
Supreme Court's Verdict and Community Responses
The Supreme Court's ruling has delineated specific timings for worship, allowing Hindus to perform Saraswati Puja from sunrise to sunset, particularly on Basant Panchami, which falls on Friday. Meanwhile, Muslims have been granted permission to offer Friday namaaz between 1pm and 3pm. The court has also mandated the state government to ensure separate passageways for members of both communities to access the Bhojshala complex.
Gopal Sharma, representing the Bhojshala Utsav Samiti, expressed the Hindu community's acceptance of the verdict. He stated, "The Supreme Court has allowed us to offer akhand prayers from sunrise to sunset. We accept the decision and will abide by it. The court has understood our sentiments. Separate arrangements were made for Muslims to offer namaaz."
On the Muslim side, Julfikar Pathan, head of the Kamal Maula Namaz Intezamia Committee, remarked, "The Supreme Court has allowed us to offer namaz as per the ASI order. We unanimously accept the verdict and plan to hold the namaz in an organised and secure manner from 1pm to 3pm."
Historical Context of the Dispute
The Bhojshala monument, dating back to the medieval era, has been at the center of a protracted controversy. Hindus assert that the site is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi, also known as Saraswati, while Muslims identify it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The roots of this conflict trace back to an Archaeological Survey of India order issued in 2003, which initially permitted Hindus to worship every Tuesday and Muslims to offer namaaz every Friday afternoon.
Comprehensive Security Arrangements
In response to the Supreme Court's directive, the Dhar administration has implemented an extensive security blanket to maintain law and order. Priyank Mishra, the Dhar collector, detailed the preparations, noting that over 8,000 personnel have been deployed in the district, supported by executive magistrates and Rapid Action Force units. Drones will be utilized for surveillance to ensure peace during the Basant Panchami celebrations.
Mishra emphasized that discussions have been ongoing for several months with various bodies, including mohalla samities and peace committees, to facilitate a peaceful observance. "All arrangements are in place," he assured.
Stringent Restrictions and Prohibitory Orders
The administration has issued a series of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to prevent any untoward incidents. Key measures include:
- Declaring the area near Bhojshala a no-fly zone, banning drones, paragliding, hot air balloons, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Prohibiting the sale of fuel such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene in the vicinity.
- Restricting the placement of building construction materials, debris, and tyres on roads and public spaces within the Dhar municipal area, with violators facing confiscation by the municipal council.
- Allowing only worship materials and flowers to be carried into the complex; mobile phones, bags, cameras, and water bottles require special permission.
Guidelines for Printing and Publicity
To curb potential provocations, printing presses have been instructed to use restrained language in all advertisements, hoardings, banners, posters, and other publicity materials related to Basant Panchami. Content that is inflammatory or targets any religious community is strictly prohibited. Additionally, all printed materials must display details of the printing press and the client's name, with a copy submitted to the sub-divisional magistrate prior to distribution.
These comprehensive measures underscore the administration's commitment to ensuring a harmonious and secure environment as both communities exercise their religious rights in accordance with the Supreme Court's order.
