Uttarkashi Mosque Row | Communal Harmony Being Maintained: State Govt Assures Uttarakhand High Court

Amid the escalating controversy over the Uttarkashi's Jama Masjid, the State Government on Monday assured the Uttarakhand High Court that communal harmony is being maintained, and any attempt made by any organization to disturb the harmony will be viewed strictly, and necessary steps will be taken. 

The submission was made before a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal which is presently dealing with a petition by the Alpsankhayak Seva Samiti (ASS) seeking protection of the mosque.

The plea was moved ahead of a Mahapanchayat by right-wing outfits, which was scheduled to be held on December 1 in protest against the mosque. Though the state government initially apprised the bench that no permission was granted for the Mahapanchayat, later, the gathering was allowed with certain preconditions.

Though the petitioner's counsel contended that hate speeches were made against the Muslim community at the Mahapanchayat, the state government maintained that no such incident took place. The HC also questioned the petition as to whether it had lodged an FIR in connection with the alleged hate speeches.

The dispute surrounding the mosque dates back to September 2024, with protests escalating into violent clashes on November 3. Right-wing groups claim the mosque, built in 1969 and registered as a Waqf property in 1987, was constructed on government land. The ASS counters that the mosque stands on legally purchased land and has served as a Sunni Muslim place of worship for over 50 years.

Last month, the High Court intervened in the matter, directing authorities to ensure security around the mosque and take strict action against hate speech and demolition threats.

[With inputs from Yash Mittal]