MP: Friday prayers held near Bhojshala complex under tight security

Dhar, July 31 (IANS) Friday prayers were offered on a parcel of land adjoining the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district on Friday under heavy security, while some residents objected to the arrangement, claiming the land was privately owned.

Members of the Muslim community gathered on land identified as Khasra No. 612, adjacent to the boundary wall of the Bhojshala complex.

Ahead of the prayers, the district administration levelled the ground, spread tarpaulin sheets due to rain and barricaded the area. Police personnel were deployed in and around the site to maintain law and order.

Earlier in the day, a group of residents gathered at the spot and objected to prayers being held there. They claimed the land belonged to their families and said they had been cultivating it for years.

The residents also said they would pursue legal remedies to protect their rights.

Following the protest, Sub‑Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Rajkumar Haldar reached the spot along with administrative officials and held discussions with the objectors. Officials said the protesters dispersed after being assured that their objections would be heard.

Haldar said the administration had made all necessary arrangements for the prayers while complying with the directions of the Supreme Court. He stated that around 150–200 members of the Muslim community offered prayers peacefully.

“The Supreme Court’s final order has not been issued yet; this was a temporary arrangement and will be subject to the final decision. We made necessary security arrangements and took all precautions,” the SDM told IANS.

Superintendent of Police Vijay Dabar said elaborate security arrangements were put in place to ensure that the prayers passed off peacefully.

“In accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision, prayers were offered peacefully at the location. Around 800 to 1,000 personnel were deployed, including two companies of the Special Task Force (STF). Security was strengthened across sensitive areas of the city,” Dabar said.

Members of the Muslim community later reached the designated site and offered Jumma prayers. The administration continued to monitor the situation throughout the day, and no untoward incident was reported.

A member of the Muslim community present at the site said the prayers were offered peacefully and thanked the administration for making the necessary arrangements.

Officials said further action regarding the site would be taken in accordance with the Supreme Court’s final order and after consultation with senior authorities.

–IANS

pd/dan