Priests at the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah confronted Union Minister Kiren Rijiju with a list of unresolved grievances on Monday, marking a significant moment on the first day of the 814th annual Urs festival. The delegation from the 'Anjuman Moinia Fakhria', representing the 'khadims' (priests), seized a brief interaction with the Minority Affairs Minister inside the holy premises to demand answers on long-pending issues, including the 2007 blast and alleged corruption.
Key Grievances Presented to the Minister
The khadims raised a spectrum of serious concerns during their meeting with Minister Rijiju. At the forefront was the 2007 blast case at the dargah, a wound that remains fresh for the community. They pointedly questioned the continued silence and lack of progress in the case, especially in light of recent judicial developments.
Adding to their list were strong allegations of corruption and a lack of accountability within the dargah committee itself. The priests expressed frustration over the administration's functioning, seeking immediate intervention from the ministry to ensure transparency and proper governance of the sacred site.
The Supreme Court Angle and Demands for Action
The timing of the confrontation is crucial, coming soon after a directive from the Supreme Court of India. The apex court recently instructed the Rajasthan High Court to review appeals against the acquittal of several accused in the 2007 blast case. Notably, among those acquitted was Swami Aseemanand, a self-professed monk and former RSS member.
Building on this, the khadims demanded to know why the Minority Affairs Ministry had failed to take cognisance of these acquittals over the years. Their central question to Minister Rijiju was what concrete steps his ministry plans to take following the Supreme Court's intervention to ensure justice is finally served.
A Festival Overshadowed by Unresolved Issues
The six-day Urs, a festival commemorating the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is typically a period of devotion and peace. However, this year's commencement was underscored by this bold appeal for governmental action. The priests' decision to raise these matters directly with a visiting Union Minister highlights the depth of their concern and their dwindling patience.
This interaction places the spotlight squarely on the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs and its role in addressing the security and administrative challenges faced by one of India's most prominent minority religious sites. The community now awaits a substantive response and actionable plans from the government.
