DEHRADUN: A ‘mahapanchayat’ in Uttarkashi, organised on Sunday by right-wing outfit ‘Devbhoomi Vichar Manch‘, which along with other groups had earlier demanded the demolition of a local mosque claiming it to be “illegal”, asked for “stringent action against unlawful religious structures in Uttarakhand”.
The event was held on the call of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) at Ramleela Ground in the town, where key speaker, BJP MLA T Raja Singh from Telangana, urged CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to emulate UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s “strict methods in matters related to land jihadis and illegal masjids”. Raja, who had been suspended by his party in the past for derogatory remarks, said, “CM Dhami needs to bring in some bulldozers to answer the land jihadis in the language they understand. Dhami should understand the sentiments of one crore Hindus of Uttarakhand who want a land-jihad free Devbhoomi.”
“People need to unite against land jihad in Uttarakhand while putting aside caste and creed,” he said. Raja also slammed MP Asaduddin Owaisi, saying: “While sitting in Hyderabad, he speaks on the action taken against illegal mosques and mazaars in Uttarakhand claiming that it is against the Constitution. I want to ask him which Constitution allows construction of illegal mosques and mazaars? He also advocates for Palestinians from India. If he cares for them so much, then he should go to their land and speak like I have come to Uttarkashi…”
The ‘mahapanchayat’ was attended by over 350 people, including Gangotri BJP MLA Suresh Chauhan.
The administration had granted “conditional permission” on Friday evening for the gathering held about 250m away from the decades-old mosque, stipulating that speakers must refrain from making hate speech. SP Sarita Dobhal said: “The event concluded peacefully. There were no reports of any violence or hate speech. Our personnel were vigilant to ensure law and order was maintained.”