Shamli, In a controversial incident, Umar Qureshi was arrested in Shamli for allegedly offering ‘azan’ at a 250-year-old structure, believed by some to be a Mughal-era mosque. Shamli SP, Abhishek, stated that the accused violated a 1940 British order, leading to his arrest under IPC section 505 (2) and the IT Act.
The dilapidated structure, spread across nearly 4 bighas, has sparked tensions as some associate it with Mughal-era heritage, while others claim it to be a mosque. Bhanu Pratap Singh, secretary of Manahar Kheda Fort Kalyan Samiti, explained the historical context, stating that the region was once ruled by Hindu kings and later came under Mughal influence.
British Order and Current Tensions:
According to a 1940 British order, prayers are not allowed at the site. The order dictates that the structure should not be razed by Hindus, and Muslims should refrain from offering prayers at the site. Locals claim the dispute dates back to the British rule, with tensions escalating over the resumption of prayers at the site.
Umar Qureshi, in his early 20s, reportedly filmed and circulated a video of himself offering prayers at the site, leading to his arrest. He faces charges of promoting enmity under IPC section 505 (2) and IT Act.
Community Perspectives:
While some argue for the preservation of both Hindu and Muslim practices at the site, others stress the need to uphold the British order. The incident has ignited a debate on religious practices and heritage preservation.
Social Media Response:
The arrest has sparked discussions on social media, with some advocating for a more inclusive approach, encouraging both Aarti and Azan at the site.
Local Authorities’ Response:
The Shamli SP emphasized that legal action was taken based on a complaint filed by Neeraj Kumar, a representative of a village head in Gausgarh.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident continues to stir conversations about the intersection of history, religion, and contemporary practices.
