Right-Wing Group Issues Stern Warning Against Rebuilding Historic Sufi Shrine in Mussoorie
In a development that has stirred significant controversy in the hill station of Mussoorie, the right-wing fringe organization Kali Sena has issued multiple statements vehemently opposing any attempts to reconstruct the over 100-year-old mazaar dedicated to the revered Sufi poet Bulleh Shah. The group has explicitly warned that such efforts would be met with stiff and forceful resistance, escalating tensions in the region.
Threats of Violence and Temple Construction Plans
In a video released on Thursday, the outfit's state convenor, Bhupesh Joshi, made alarming declarations, stating, "We will beat up anyone who tries to rebuild the mazaar. We will instead construct a Hanuman temple near it." This provocative statement directly challenges the plans announced by the Baba Bulleh Shah Committee, whose president, Rajat Aggarwal, had confirmed that the mazaar would be rebuilt by May this year.
Background of Vandalism and Previous Protests
The mazaar was recently vandalized earlier this month by a group of individuals who allegedly broke open a donation box, stole silver jewellery, and damaged religious books. This incident followed protests by Bajrang Dal activists, who claimed that the shrine and others had been constructed "without proper sanction on school or forest land." The attack has raised concerns among locals, who view the mazaar as an integral part of Mussoorie's cultural and spiritual heritage, fearing that such incidents could deepen communal divisions in the otherwise peaceful town.
Political and Police Responses
In response to Joshi's remarks, Congress leaders met with police officials on Friday, demanding immediate action. Local party leader Megh Singh Kandari emphasized, "Efforts are being made to spoil Mussoorie's social fabric by anti-social elements who do not even live here. We have asked police to take strict action against all those issuing threats; otherwise, we will stage a protest."
When questioned about the situation, Mussoorie circle officer (CO) Manoj Aswal stated, "We have no knowledge of recent videos surfacing on social media and will take action once they are brought to our notice." He added that three individuals named as prime accused in the vandalism case—Hari Om, Shraddha, and Shiv Om—have been called for interrogation and issued warnings.
Legal Actions and Historical Context
Police have registered an FIR under BNS sections 196(1)(b), which addresses promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, or place of birth, and section 298, concerning injuring or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult any religion. Notably, this is not the first time Joshi has faced legal scrutiny. In July last year, during a 'Hindu Panchayat' in Dehradun, he urged locals not to rent properties to members of the minority community, leading to a case registered against him under BNS sections 196(1) and 299 for deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
The ongoing dispute highlights the fragile social harmony in Mussoorie, with authorities under pressure to address both the vandalism and the inflammatory threats to prevent further escalation of religious tensions.
