Phot: Indian Express
Around 400 Muslims of Atali, a village in Uttar Pradesh, who were attacked by a furious Hindu mob four days ago, continue to remain stranded even on Friday, in the compound of the Ballabgarh police station.
Despite the soaring temperature and inadequate essentials, the displaced persons have refused to return to their homes, further demanding the immediate arrest of the attackers and also compensation for their burnt houses. On Monday evening, a violent mob attacked the community with bricks, swords, and petrol bombs as well as with other light ammunitions. The assailants broke into their homes and set about 20 houses on fire instantly.
The cause of the confrontation is a dispute over a 30-year-old mosque, according to the testimonials of the locals residing nearby. Back in 2009, the Hindus of the village claimed that it was the property of the village Panchayat. The Muslims, on the other hand, stated that the land belonged to the WAKF board. The Faridabad court ruled in favour of the Muslim community in March. The Hindus however, continued to raise objections, with some advocating the demolition of the mosque because it stood adjacent to a temple. According to the police, tensions and minor conflicts between the communities worsened as the renovation began.
A political turf war exacerbated tensions over a disputed mosque in Atali village here, resulting in about 400 Muslims being forced out of their homes following attacks and arson on May 25 by a violent mob of Hindus. The assailants broke into their homes and set about 20 houses on fire.
To most of the Muslims, the attack came as a surprise. “We never thought this would happen,” said Shakir Ali, 40, a resident of Atali. “It looked like they had planned it for weeks. They had swords, guns, sickles, a tractor full of stones, buckets full of kerosene. They used cars to bring Hindus from other villages,” remarked Ali who was hit with a brick on his face.
Meanwhile, the Station House Officer of Atali, said that things were back to normal and the situation was under control. “It’s peaceful now,” he said. “The only issue is that both sides are refusing to compromise. Muslims want to renovate the mosque and Hindus don’t want it. That’s why it’s getting hard to strike a peace deal.”
Tags: Ballabgarh police station muslims Uttar Pradesh
