Dhar : Tension prevails as the row over Puja and Namaz to be performed by Hindus and Muslims respectively at Bhojshala on Friday is yet to see an amicable settlement. Both the communities are adamant on their stands. While Hindus are rigid to perform Puja at Bhojshala on Friday, the Muslims are willing to perform Namaz in Bhojshala premises on Friday.
Hindus consider Bhojshala as the temple of Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati), whereas Muslims treat it as Kamal Moula mosque. In the normal course, Hindus are allowed to perform puja on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays. The structure is open to all on rest of the days. However, with Basant Panchami and Friday namaz clashing on Friday, both sides are refusing to give up their access to the 11th century monument. A similar crisis had erupted at the Bhojshala in 2003, 2006 and 2013, when Basant Panchami and Friday namaz coincided.
Meanwhile, some Muslim groups in Rajod and Dhamnod of the district have submitted a memorandum to the administrative authorities demanding that the administration should allow Hindus to perform Puja for whole day on Basant Panchami at Bhojshala.
Leading Saffron leaders Ashok Jain, Gopal Sharma and patron Vijay Singh Rathore jointly said that the Hindu community would not allow the Namaz in Bhojshala campus on the occasion of Basant Panchami on Friday.
However, in order to avoid any untoward incident the district police administration has converted Dhar into a virtual war-zone. About 7,000 jawans, scores of IPS officials, collectors, IGs, DIGs, ADGP and police commissioner and other officials have been deployed to maintain the law and order situation in Dhar on Friday.
Heavy police forces have been deployed in each and every corner of the town. Police have done the barricading of around 2 to 3 square kilometer area of the town. District police administration has also conducted a flag march of RAF jawans on the eve of Basant Panchami.
Security jawans have been deployed on the high-rise buildings in the vicinity of Bhojshala with binoculars to keep a tight vigil.
It seems that the Puja and Namaz will be performed under the tight police vigil in Dhar on the occasion of Basant Panchami on Friday. Meanwhile, as per the schedule, the Hindu organisations have announced to take out a grand procession from Ghoda Chowapti on Friday morning at about 10 am. The procession will pass through all the main roads of the town and will conclude at Bhojshala.
President of district Waqf Board Shakeel Khan informed that Namaz should be performed in Bhojshala only and the district administration should follow the orders of ASI. The city Quazi Waqaur Sadiq has refused to comment on the matter.
