A dispute that began over the offering of namaz in Mohammadganj village of Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, is now escalating. Despite restrictions imposed by the administration and the matter being sub judice in the High Court, collective prayers were once again offered inside a house on February 14.
Following this, the police took strict action on charges of breach of peace. In view of the tension in the village, a heavy police force has been deployed. SP (South) Anshika Verma said that police and administrative teams are keeping a close watch on the situation and that peace currently prevails in the village.
The controversy began on January 17, when some people were allegedly found offering namaz after turning Haseen Mian’s house into an illegal madrasa. The Hindu side alleges that the Muslim community is trying to start a new practice and that pressure is being exerted on them, due to which some families are talking about leaving the village.
On the other hand, the Muslim side says that they have been offering namaz in their homes for years and that it is their right. It is worth noting that there has been a decades-old agreement in this village that neither a temple nor a mosque will be built here. At present, the matter is in court, and police officials have denied reports of any migration from the village.
