Sambhal echoes in Varanasi: Hindu group demands reopening of old temple, Police deployed.

Underlying Tensions in Varanasi as Hindu Group demands Reopening of Temple ‘Locked’ for last 70 years in a Muslim majority area.

Ajay Sharma, State President of Sanatan Raksha Dal, has formally requested the district administration to permit the reopening of a temple and allow devotees to offer prayers there.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Varanasi | Dec 18, 2024:: Following the recent reopening of a temple in Sambhal, a Hindu group has now urged the authorities to open another temple discovered in Varanasi’s Madanpura area, Uttar Pradesh. In response to the demand, the Varanasi district administration has initiated an investigation to gather more information about the temple, which is located in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood. As a precautionary measure, police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the area. The Hindu Temple, is believed to be 250 years old.

The Sanatan Raksha Dal has asserted that at least a two-century-old Shiva temple, sealed for nearly seven decades, be reopened for worship. The issue gained prominence after a photograph of the temple’s locked entrance circulated on social media, prompting the Hindu group to inspect the site and formally petition the district administration to grant access for prayers.

Ajay Sharma, State President of Sanatan Raksha Dal, has formally requested the district administration to permit the reopening of a temple and allow devotees to offer prayers there.

Varanasi Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Banswal has assured that the district administration is reviewing records to make a decision about the temple, and all legal procedures will be followed before arriving at any conclusion. This comes after a Hindu group demanded the reopening of a two-century-old Shiva temple in Varanasi’s Madanpura area, which has remained locked for nearly 70 years.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) revealed that a police team has been stationed at the location as a precautionary measure. This move follows to avert any violent situations like Sambhal on November 24, where a survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid escalated into clashes, resulting in the loss of four lives.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the discovery of a temple in Varanasi’s Madanpura area, stating that his administration is committed to uncovering and restoring temples that have been buried or hidden. Maurya emphasized that wherever a temple is found, it will be properly excavated and puja will be performed there. This statement reflects Maurya’s strong stance on preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage.

Mohammad Shahabuddin, the owner of the property where the temple is situated, has expressed his willingness to allow peaceful worship at the site. In an interview with ABP News, Shahabuddin stated, “We have no objection if people visit the place for worship, provided they do so peacefully.” He acknowledged the demand for regular worship at the site, referred to as the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple.

Shahabuddin emphasized that his family has owned the land for centuries, and locals have never objected to people visiting the site for worship. However, he noted that outsiders are now stirring up controversy, whereas the local Hindu residents, who live in harmony with their Muslim neighbors, have never raised the issue. Shahabuddin underscored his commitment to the spirit of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, a cultural tradition that celebrates the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities.

Sources have revealed that local Hindus, despite being a minority in the area, were previously deterred from asserting their religious rights due to intimidation by the dominant Muslim population. Furthermore, an attempt was made by local Muslims a few years ago to rename the area from Madanpura, its original Hindu name, to Madanipur.

A segment of the local Muslim community is resisting the proposed reopening of the Hindu temple, which is situated in a predominantly Muslim area, thereby fueling underlying tensions.
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__Inputs from ABP News and ANI.