The Hindu
February 4, 2006
Lathicharge near Bhojshala
Staff Correspondent
DIG, some persons injured as confusion prevails; both communities offer prayers
— Photo: AP
THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW: Police chase away Hindu and Muslim devotees after they clashed at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, about 270 km from Bhopal, on Friday.
BHOPAL: Police burst teargas shells and resorted to a mild lathi-charge at Dhar in Madhya Pradesh on Friday afternoon when Muslims started entering the historic Bhojshala to offer Jumme-ki-Namaz (Friday prayers), where Hindus had converged in large numbers on the occasion of Basant Panchami.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had said that the Hindus would be allowed to perform Saraswati Vandana at Bhojshala till 12.30 p.m. and the place should then be vacated for Muslims for the Friday namaz between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
There was tight security and the police had cordoned off the area. To allow the Muslims to enter the premises as per ASI's orders, a two-hour curfew was imposed in the afternoon. A senior police spokesman told The Hindu that at this stage there was confusion as a particular television news channel began telecasting news that devotees were being thrown out and the Muslims brought in to offer prayers. This led to commotion, protest and some stone pelting. The police resorted to a mild lathi-charge. A few teargas shells were also used to disperse the crowd.
Some persons were injured, including the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Pramod Phalnikar, who was hit on the eye. The situation was soon brought under control and people continued to offer prayers.
Though in small numbers, the Muslims offered the Friday namaz, which was conducted by the Naib Quazi. The Hindus were again allowed entry into the premises and at 5.30 p.m. Over 6,000 devotees offered prayers at the monument.
An official spokesman said the district administrative and the police were committed to ensuring that everything passed off smoothly.
|
