NEW DELHI: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, while reacting to violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambal, drew a parallel between the row over the mosque survey and the atrocities being committed against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Mufti called the clashes between police and protestors, which took place after Sambhal mosque survey, “unfortunate” and expressed concern over recent claims being made on mosque and shrines.
Four people were killed and dozens, including policemen and officials, were injured in the clashes that ensued hours after the survey.
“Today, I am afraid that the situation which was during 1947, we are being taken towards that direction. When the youth talk of jobs, they don’t get it. We don’t have good hospitals, education…They are not improving the condition of roads but are trying to demolish the mosque in search of a temple. The Sambhal incident is very unfortunate. Some were working in shops and were shot…,” Mufti was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The PDP chief further said: “In Bangladesh, atrocities are being committed on Hindus. If atrocities will be committed on minorities in India also, then what is the difference between India and Bangladesh?… I don’t find any difference between India and Bangladesh.”
She also spoke about the claim being made about Ajmer Sharif Dargah, saying, “Ajmer Sharif Dargah where people from all religions offer prayers is the biggest example of brotherhood. Now they are also trying to dig into it to search for a temple.”
Mob violence targeting Hindu temples
On Friday a mob attacked three Hindu temples in Bangladesh’s Chattogram, where protests and violence erupted after sedition charges were filed against a former Iskcon priest.
The incident occurred in the port city’s Harish Chandra Munsef Lane, targeting the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shani Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple.
Similar incidents of mob violence targeting Hindu temples and religious sites have intensified in recent months, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and India.
