VHRP Activists Assert Determination to Reach Murshidabad Amid Police Obstacles
Activists from the Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP) have made a bold declaration, stating that despite facing significant police resistance during their march from cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, they are resolutely committed to reaching Murshidabad in West Bengal by Wednesday. The group claims that on Tuesday, law enforcement officials attempted to halt their progress, citing concerns over law and order, but the activists remain undeterred in their mission.
Police Deny Allegations of Interference
In a contrasting statement, police authorities have firmly denied any attempts to obstruct individuals associated with the VHRP or any other organization. They maintain that their actions are solely focused on maintaining public safety and order, without targeting specific groups. This denial sets up a contentious backdrop as the situation continues to unfold, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives about the events on the ground.
VHRP Chief Gopal Rai Outlines Protest Goals
Gopal Rai, the chief of the Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad, who paused in Varanasi after departing from Delhi on Monday, clarified the organization's stance. He emphasized that the VHRP does not oppose the construction of mosques in general. However, he expressed strong objections to building a mosque in the name of Emperor Babar, arguing that such an act would deeply hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. Rai believes that honoring a Mughal ruler, whom he describes as an oppressor of Hindus, through a mosque would only serve to widen the existing rift between Hindus and Muslims.
Large-Scale Mobilization and Legal Threats
Rai reported that approximately 5,000 VHRP activists from various regions across the country have already arrived in West Bengal. He detailed that on Tuesday, police interventions occurred in multiple locations, including Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and other districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where office-bearers were prevented from advancing. Despite these challenges, Rai confidently announced that the VHRP office-bearers and activists will enter West Bengal with a strengthened force of 10,000 members on Wednesday.
Furthermore, Rai issued a stern warning, stating that if the West Bengal police attempt to block their entry into Murshidabad, the activists will persist with their protests. He added that they are prepared to escalate the matter legally by moving the Supreme Court if necessary. The core demand remains clear: to halt the construction of a mosque named after Babar, which they view as a symbol of historical oppression and a potential source of communal tension.
Key Points of the VHRP's Position:- No objection to mosque construction in principle, but opposed to naming it after Emperor Babar.
- Claims of police hindrance in UP and Bihar during the march.
- Plans to enter West Bengal with 10,000 activists despite obstacles.
- Willingness to protest and seek Supreme Court intervention if barred from Murshidabad.
- Concern that the mosque could exacerbate Hindu-Muslim divisions.
