Communal tension in Gurugram over mosque

Sumedha Sharma

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, September 17

The controversy surrounding recent sealing of an ‘illegal’ mosque being run from a house in Sheetla Colony here has intensified.

Hindu residents of the area have put up saffron flags to highlight their majority. Hindu outfits have issued a ‘directive’ not to rent out houses and shops to Muslims.

The move came after Muslim residents and outfits demanded de-sealing.

The mosque being run from the house was sealed by the MC last week for violating court orders banning any new construction in proximity to the ammunition depot.

In view of the ongoing tussle between residents due to use of loudspeakers, the sealing was dubbed as ‘communal’, leading to tension.

“Putting up flags is a Hindu tradition and does not affirm alliance to any Hindu outfit or group. About 5,000 households have put up flags,” said Mahaveer Singh of the Sanyukt Hindu Sangharsh Samiti.

“The building was not a mosque, but an illegal prayer venue constructed in violation of norms. It was given a communal tinge and the victimisation card was played,” he said.

“When it did not work, they insisted on being in a majority in the area. During a common panchayat, it was decided not to lend houses to make it clear that tenants were not in a majority,” he maintained.

The panchayat was held on the premises of Sheetla Mata temple. It was presided over by Hindu preacher Swami Vivekanand Giri.