In a recent incident, a man named Umar Qureshi was arrested and sent to jail on Saturday for allegedly offering ‘azan’ (Islamic call to prayer) at a 250-year-old structure in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. The structure, spread across nearly 4 bighas, is considered by many as a Mughal-era mosque.
Shamli Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek stated that the accused violated a 1940 British order by attempting to perform prayers at the site. Umar Qureshi, in his early 20s, visited the unused structure on Friday, filmed the incident, and circulated the video on social media.
According to a local police officer, the structure, partly in ruins, has historical significance, with some associating it with the Manahar rajas from the Hindu community and others claiming it as a mosque. Bhanu Pratap Singh, secretary of Manahar Kheda Fort Kalyan Samiti, explained the historical context, stating that the region was initially ruled by Hindu kings of Manhar Kheda and later came under Mughal influence.
He mentioned that during British rule, a consensus was reached in 1940, resulting in an order prohibiting prayers at the site by Muslims and preventing the structure’s demolition by Hindus.
The British order, still in effect, aims to maintain peace and prevent potential conflicts over the historic site. Locals pointed out the historical complexities and tensions surrounding the site, emphasizing the need for adherence to the established regulations.
