Tensions have escalated in Shivamogga as the Union government passed the Waqf Bill in Parliament in both the houses. The recent fencing of a 32-gunta empty field situated in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office has sparked a heated dispute between the Muslim community and pro-Hindu organisations. The Muslim community claims that the fenced area spans approximately 32,670 square feet and is Waqf property.
In a response that has drawn significant backlash, members of the Jamia Masjid Committee have erected a 10-foot tall fence around the land, restricting both vehicle and public access. Leaders from pro-Hindu organisations expressed their outrage, emphasising that this land belongs to the municipal corporation and that they have not obstructed any prayers conducted by the Muslim community. “It is not right to suddenly erect a fence on municipal land, especially when we have allowed prayers to occur unhindered during Ramadan,” stated a leader from one of the pro-Hindu organisations.
In light of these mounting tensions, protests organised by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, including notable leaders like Ramesh Babu and Deendayal, have been held, calling for the immediate removal of the fence. These protests have drawn attention to the region’s broader issues surrounding land and property ownership disputes.
In response to the escalating situation, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mithun Kumar arrived to assess the conflict. Acknowledging the potential for escalation, the SP assured concerned parties that the fence would be dismantled by the evening. To ensure public safety, a heavy police presence was established around the disputed ground, and discussions were held with leaders of the Muslim community and various organisations at the SP office.
The SP instructed Muslim leaders to reach a consensus regarding the Waqf property issue in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner. By the evening, under police protection, municipal staff were able to remove the contentious fence put up by the Jamia Masjid Committee. In its place, police erected a barricade to control access to the area. Additionally, surrounding commercial establishments were temporarily closed as the situation was managed.
The land in question holds significance for the Muslim community, as it borders an Idgah wall measuring 10 feet long, 10 feet high, and 2 feet wide, where Muslims gather for prayers during the festivals of Ramadan and Bakrid twice a year. The Jamia Masjid Committee maintains that this land has been designated as Waqf property, registered in their name in 2019. It asserts that they have been paying property taxes to the Shivamogga Municipal Corporation for four to five years.
In contrast, pro-Hindu organisations are contesting this classification, asserting that the land rightfully belongs to the municipal corporation and claiming that Muslims are only permitted to pray at this site during their festivals. They have also raised concerns about potential pressures officials face in addressing the dispute. As part of their efforts, pro-Hindu representatives have sought legal intervention, challenging the claims in the High Court.
While pro-Muslim organisations are saying that the Eidgah ground belongs to them, pro-Hindu organisations are saying that this land has been the property of the Shivamogga municipality for decades. Only Muslims are allowed to pray.
The controversial Eidgah ground, which was in the cold, has now come to the fore again. In this context, Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde and District Superintendent of Police Mithun Kumar met with Muslim leaders for one and a half hours. The police have taken precautions to prevent law and order from deteriorating. The DC and SP have assured that they will examine all the original documents and take further action.
There is a tight police presence around the Eidgah ground. The police have barricaded the area leading to the ground in case of any untoward incident.
The situation remains fluid, with pro-Hindu organisations demanding greater transparency and access to public spaces. In the meantime, a tightly organised police cordon remains in place around the disputed area to maintain order and prevent further unrest amid these contentious discussions.
