The Hazrat Syed Maulana Rom Shakhadri Dargah, situated within the jurisdiction of Jamia Masjid in Kote Layout, has once again ignited tensions as local Hindu organisations and concerned residents rallied against ongoing tiling work at the site. Protests erupted on January 3, with demonstrators vehemently opposing what they referred to as unauthorised construction on a disputed religious site, raising concerns over the legitimacy of the Dargah’s existence.
The outrage from the protestors centred on the claim that permission had been illegally granted for the tiling work within a contentious area that, according to them, lacks authenticity. They argued that the tombs within the Dargah, which they believe to be not only a site of fabrication but also part of a larger scheme to illicitly seize property, should not be built or maintained, especially since there are no Muslim residents in the vicinity.
Local authorities responded swiftly to the escalating situation as a large contingent of police officers, under the leadership of Chikkamagaluru Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Shailendra, was deployed to maintain order in Kote Layout. Tensions reached a boiling point, prompting Chikkamagaluru City Municipal Council President Sujatha to visit the site, where she directed that all construction activities be halted immediately. Furthermore, she has mandated that Jamia Masjid provide relevant documentation pertinent to the Dargah’s legitimacy by January 12, as the local council seeks to mediate amidst rising discord.
Numerous residents have raised numerous objections. They assert that the Dargah’s significance is overstated, claiming that it is a “fake” site with no historical claim or backing, and they have demanded transparency from Jamia Masjid regarding property ownership. “If there are any rightful documents proving the existence or legitimacy of this site, they should be made available to us,” said a spokesperson for one of the Hindu organisations involved.
The current unrest echoes a similar incident from last year when tensions flared inside the Dargah over construction work. The recurring controversy surrounding the Dargah has not only exacerbated divisions within the community. Still, it has also raised broader questions about religious tolerance and the use of public space for religious purposes in a region that has historically been known for its peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
As the situation develops, officials convene a meeting at the municipal level to address the mounting concerns and seek a resolution to the conflict. The once serene and harmonious coffee landscape of Chikkamagaluru now faces the threat of division as both sides remain staunchly committed to their beliefs.
Amidst this backdrop of contention, residents hope for a peaceful resolution that would restore calm to the community, known for its rich cultural and religious diversity. However, with tensions running high and emotions flaring, how this saga will unfold in the coming days remains to be seen. The presence of police forces around the Dargah is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in areas marked by historical and cultural disputes. This growing crisis is not just about a dargah and its tiling; it has become emblematic of the broader challenges facing communal harmony in contemporary India.
The Hazrat Syed Maulana Rom Shakhadri Dargah, located beneath the auspices of Jamia Masjid, has once again become a flashpoint of conflict, drawing ire from local Hindu organisations and residents on Monday. This recent uproar was sparked by the controversial tiling work again on the Dargah’s premises, leading to significant protests and heightened tensions among community members.
The residents and Hindu organisations gathered before the Dargah to voice their strong objections against the ongoing construction, culminating in a heated confrontation that necessitated the deployment of tight police security. In the wake of the unrest, Municipal Council President Sujatha visited the site and ordered a halt to the work until adequate documentation could be verified, a decision that was met with initial relief by protestors.
However, despite the council’s directive, work resumed the following Monday, igniting further outrage among the protestors. A critical meeting between community leaders, led by Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj and Superintendent of Police Vikram Amate, saw the Dargah Committee present what they claim to be complete documentation justifying the tiling work. The committee’s plea for the continuation of construction was met with a controversial decision to deploy more than 500 police personnel to ensure the work proceeded without interruption, neglecting the community’s palpable tensions.
Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj asserted that the Dargah Committee’s documentation was sufficient to continue the work. In the meantime, Hindu locals gathered outside the Dargah, expressing their grievances and raising requests for religious practices that were summarily dismissed by police. Their plea to circumambulate the sacred arali tree, particularly during the auspicious occasion of Champa Shashti, was met with firm opposition from law enforcement officers stationed at the site. The resulting frustration and disenfranchisement among the protestors only fueled the ongoing strife.
Prohibition against the observed religious practices and the imposition of barricades around the Dargah and nearby Arali Mara have led to growing anger and resentment. Local Hindus were vehemently opposed to being denied the right to conduct their traditional rituals in a space they claimed as their own. The bitter dynamics escalated to the point where even those seeking to transport a deceased individual to the crematorium faced barriers, underscoring the breakdown in communal harmony.
The animosity directed at the Dargah Committee has grown particularly fierce, with locals alleging that the committee has fabricated documents about the Dargah’s legitimacy. Community members assert, “A fake document has been created regarding the Dargah. We will fight the law regarding this. We will not leave this struggle that started during our father’s time here. Even if we die, we will continue this even during the time of our children.”
This persistent conflict reflects a broader struggle over property, identity, and religious heritage that has long plagued this region. The actions of the Dargah Committee, perceived as dismissive and opportunistic in the face of community grievances, have led to rising frustrations that threaten to fracture the social fabric of an area once characterised by relative peace and coexistence.
As tensions remain high, calls for accountability resonate loudly across Kote Layout. Local leaders are urging transparency and dialogue between all parties involved to avoid further escalation of this conflict. The response from the Dargah Committee, which has so far prioritised construction over conflict resolution, leaves many community members feeling unheard and marginalised in their neighbourhood.
While the Dargah continues to be a site of religious significance for some, it has become emblematic of broader societal issues—where miscommunication, misrepresentation, and unmet needs threaten to sow discord among communities that have coexisted for generations. The hope now lies in finding a path forward that ensures the rights and traditions of all parties are respected while fostering a renewed atmosphere of dialogue and understanding. In this deeply divided context, the challenge remains: how can the community come together when the actions of a few sow the seeds of division?
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