Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has criticized the ongoing measures targeting mosques and madrasas in the border districts of Rajasthan, warning that such actions could disturb the region’s long-standing communal harmony. He urged that “central and state governments should not create unnecessary controversies.”
Writing on his official
“The international border districts of Pakistan adjacent to Rajasthan have always maintained an atmosphere of harmony since independence. No matter what kind of communal environment prevailed across the country, it is likely that mutual tensions never even arose here,” Gehlot said.
He emphasized the spirit of unity in the region, noting that people of all faiths have historically stood together during times of national conflict.
“Here, Hindu and Muslim religious sites are in the same category, and people from both sides fully respect each other’s sacred places. Whether it was the 1965 war or the 1971 war, people of all religions in this region extended complete cooperation to the army and the government in giving Pakistan a decisive defeat,” he added.
Gehlot alleged that the actions against mosques and madrasas were selective and warned that this could lead to social polarization in a region known for communal harmony.
“In such a place, it is not appropriate for the central government to selectively target mosques and madrasas with actions merely on its signal, solely to create tension and polarization. Many of these religious sites were established even before independence. The local Hindu community is also against this action, and protests against it have occurred in several places. Such actions targeting one religion are reprehensible. The central and state governments should not create unnecessary controversies,” he said.
His remarks come amid recent administrative actions concerning encroachments and religious structures in parts of Rajasthan, including Jaipur.
On June 8, the Jaipur district administration temporarily suspended internet services as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order during an anti-encroachment drive led by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA). Jaipur Divisional Commissioner V Saravana Kumar issued the order, citing concerns that misuse of social media and internet platforms could spread rumors and disturb public peace.
A joint operation by the JDA and district administration is underway in the Jagatpura area to widen a road adjacent to the railway line near Nandpuri Underpass from 25-30 feet to the designated 80 feet width. The campaign involves removing five religious structures, including a mosque, two temples, a satsang hall, and a mazar (shrine), which encroach upon the road’s right-of-way.
Additional police forces have been deployed to maintain order during the demolitions. Anand Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of the JDA Vigilance Wing, stated that 134 encroachments were removed during a previous drive on May 22. Owners of the religious and other structures were given time to dismantle their constructions voluntarily; following the deadline’s expiration, authorities initiated direct action.
Officials noted that the road remains significantly narrower than the recorded 80 feet in several sections, necessitating the current efforts to ensure compliance with planning regulations.
Comments are closed.