The Uttarakhand government affirmed to the Uttarakhand High Court that communal harmony in Uttarkashi is intact, amidst ongoing tensions surrounding a mosque on Bhatwari Road. This statement was presented by the additional government advocate J S Virk during a hearing on December 16, concerning a petition for the protection of the mosque.
Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Pankaj Purohit presided over the case, where the state government was responsive to the court’s earlier directives to maintain law and order. These directives were issued to both the district magistrate and the superintendent of police in Uttarkashi, with a focus on preventing any disturbances.
The mosque has become a point of contention, with right-wing groups claiming it is illegal, while the petitioners, represented by Alpasankhyak Seva Samiti, argue otherwise. The issue escalated when a Mahapanchayat was organized by these groups on December 1, although the district administration had not granted permission for the event. However, it was allowed to proceed under specific preconditions and prohibitory orders.
Despite the potentially volatile circumstances, the Mahapanchayat was conducted peacefully, thanks to a significant police presence. Nevertheless, the petitioner’s counsel raised concerns about hate speeches allegedly made during the event, which they claim violated Supreme Court directives against incendiary rhetoric.
On the other hand, the state’s counsel assured the court of rigorous police oversight during the Mahapanchayat, denying any provocative speeches. Meanwhile, the petitioners have requested additional time from the high court to furnish documents proving that the mosque is legitimately part of a Waqf/trust.
