Mumbai, August 26: In Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, a half-day shutdown was observed on Tuesday due to the ongoing Bhojshala controversy, led by Hindu organizations. Most shops in the main markets remained closed, and a heavy police presence was deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Sakal Hindu Samaj had called for the shutdown until noon, alleging that the district administration was not implementing court directives regarding arrangements for Friday prayers near the disputed site.
Members of Hindu organizations held a motorcycle rally in the morning and urged shopkeepers to close their businesses. In some areas, they were seen asking shop owners to comply with the shutdown.
Schools, colleges, petrol pumps, and essential service providers remained open during the shutdown.
City Superintendent of Police Shashank Singh Gurjar stated, “The situation is completely peaceful and under control. Adequate police forces were deployed in Dhar, especially in sensitive areas, to maintain law and order.”
In the afternoon, members of Hindu organizations marched from Lalbagh to the Collectorate, submitting a memorandum to Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena. Barricades were set up outside the Collectorate as a precaution, and protesters were not allowed to enter the premises. However, administrative officials accepted the memorandum outside the main gate.
Hindu organizations claimed that the Supreme Court had directed that Muslims be provided space for Friday prayers near the disputed site. They argued that the administration is facilitating prayers at survey number 612, which they believe obstructs access to the Bhojshala site and hurts Hindu sentiments.
Gopal Sharma, coordinator of the Bhojshala Mukti Yagya, stated that Hindu organizations have been raising this issue since 1987 and will continue to express their sentiments through protests.
Collector Rajeev Meena mentioned that the Bhojshala matter is currently in court. Regarding the dispute over survey numbers 596 and 612, Meena noted that there could be several options for implementing court directives, and the administration will act according to judicial processes.
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