Karnataka Jamia Masjid dispute: Sec 144 imposed in Mandya from June 3-5 over VHP’s call for protest
India Today
Section 144 will be imposed in Karnataka’s Mandya from 3 pm on June 3 to 12 noon on June 5. This was decided after the VHP called for a protest march to the disputed Jamia Masjid. They claim it was built on top of a Hanuman temple which was "demolished".
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a protest march dubbed, “Sri Rangapatna Chalo,” on June 4, against the disputed Jamia Masjid in Karnataka’s Mandya district. Ahead of this, Mandya Police decided to impose Section 144 and restrict any kind of public gathering, procession, protest or “Rath Yatra.”
The restrictions under Section 144 of the CRPC will be effective from 3 pm on June 3 to 12 noon on June 5.
Meanwhile, responding to Mandya Deputy Commissioner's (DC) letter on conducting videography in the disputed Jamia Masjid, the Superintendent Archaeologist has written to the Director of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) requesting videography of the east entrance.
The superintendent's letter states that Jamia Masjid is a living monument and, currently, a "madrassa is being run inside the protected area".
The VHP and Bajrang Dal, on May 20, submitted a memorandum to the DC demanding that a survey on the lines of Gyanvapi Masjid be conducted at Jamia Masjid to uncover the truth.
The groups have claimed that the site of the masjid was earlier a Hanuman temple "which was demolished and the mosque was built on top of it".
The groups called for a protest march from Kuvempu Circle in Mandya to the disputed mosque. They had sought permission from the authorities but the permission was denied. Despite this, the groups are going ahead with the protest march.
