AGRA: Security has been stepped up in Mathura following a right wing group’s announcement that it will install an idol of Lord Krishna in the Shahi Idgah on December 6. The mosque is close to the Krishna Janmasthan temple.
“Section 144 is already in force in the district,” said SSP (Mathura) Guarav Grover. “Strict action will be taken against those found indulging in rumour mongering or trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the town. We have received information that some organisations are trying to hold an event or a foot march (to the idgah) on December 6.”
The SSP has appealed to people to work with police in maintaining law and order. The administration has also established communication with members of the minority community to instil confidence.
“No one will be allowed to do any mischief,” said circle officer (city) Abhishek Tewari, who interacted with minority community leaders in Mathura and assured them that the administration has put safeguards in place.
The threat to perform the “ritual” at the idgah has come at a time when a local court is hearing a bunch of petitions seeking “removal” of the 17th century mosque. Police, however, said no permission for any programme has been issued and none will be granted.
Members of the Quami Ekta Manch in Mathura have urged chief minister Yogi Adityanath to provide additional security on December 6. Founder of the Manch, Madhuvan Dutt Chaturvedi, said it has been 53 years since an agreement was signed between the managements of the Shahi Idgah and Sri Krishna Janmasthan Sansthan to maintain status quo. “We can’t let that break,” he said.
Recently, the All India Teerth Purohit Mahasabha, a 60-year-old body of over 90 temple priests from across India, said that this issue is being raked up unnecessarily and that all concerned parties should be all the more careful as assembly polls are just around the corner in UP.