On Sunday, December 1st, several Hindu organizations organized a Mahapanchayat in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, demanding the demolition of a mosque they claimed had been built illegally decades ago. Based on the reports from Jagran, the event, held under the banner of ‘Devbhoomi Vichar Manch,‘ was called in response to the issues of love jihad and land jihad. The organizers urged Hindus to unite against these alleged threats and preserve the religious sanctity of the region, often referred to as ‘Devbhoomi’ or Bhagwan’s land.
Speakers at the Mahapanchayat, including BJP leader T. Raja Singh, called upon Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take a strong stance against illegal structures in the state. Singh suggested that Dhami should adopt a policy similar to Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has been known for using bulldozers to demolish illegal buildings. He said, “Chief Minister Dhami should have a ‘chai pe charcha’ with Yogi Adityanath. Just as Yogi ji teaches a lesson to ‘land jihadis’ in Uttar Pradesh, Dhami must also bring bulldozers into action. We will not allow jihadis to engage in land jihad in Uttarakhand. Hindus across the country are looking up to the people of Uttarakhand to set an example.”
Gangotri MLA Suresh Singh Chauhan, another prominent speaker at the event, emphasized the importance of preserving Uttarkashi’s religious identity. He commended the local youth for taking steps to close meat shops along the banks of the Ganga to maintain the town’s spiritual atmosphere. Chauhan also spoke about the growing concerns among priests, saints, and Hindu organizations regarding the mosque. While expressing respect for the long-standing Islamic residents, he confirmed that an investigation would be conducted to verify the mosque’s legal status. If the mosque is found to be illegal, he assured the gathering that it would be demolished.
Several prominent guests and activists, including Swami Darshan Bharti, voiced their frustration over not being given an opportunity to speak or secure a place on the stage. These grievances were expressed publicly through press statements and on social media platforms. To address these concerns, Dinesh Panwar, a member of the organizing committee, released an audio message urging unity and promising a follow-up meeting to resolve these issues. The low turnout, which was below expectations, also added to the organizers’ frustration. Many prominent figures arrived late, further fueling the discontent. Among those who were excluded from addressing the gathering were Swami Darshan Bharti, Rakesh Uttarakhandi, and Keshavgiri Maharaj, which led to further discord within the organizing team.
Despite these internal tensions, the Mahapanchayat raised broader concerns about the preservation of Uttarkashi’s religious character. MLA Suresh Chauhan highlighted the role of locals in safeguarding the town’s identity and emphasized the need for vigilance over outsiders renting rooms in the area, citing incidents in Purola and other parts of Uttarkashi as examples. Chauhan also advocated for transferring the control of Ramlila Maidan from the municipality to the administration to ensure it is preserved for religious, cultural, and sports activities. He lamented the absence of the Sainik Mela this year, which was reportedly canceled due to administrative lapses, and called for stricter measures to maintain the ground’s sanctity and prevent unauthorized activities.
Uttarkashi Mosque controversy: How it started!
Based on the reports from Jagran, the controversy surrounding the mosque in Uttarkashi began in September, when Hindu groups claimed that it was unregistered and demanded its removal. An official inquiry, however, confirmed the mosque’s legality, with its land being registered to Islamic community members. Tensions escalated further in October during protests, which resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and police, leading to several injuries on both sides.
In response to the growing unrest, the BJP-led state government informed the High Court on November 27 that it had not sanctioned the December 1 event but had implemented measures to protect the mosque. The district administration later granted conditional permission for the Mahapanchayat, imposing restrictions on hate speech, rallies, and traffic disruptions. The organizers claimed to have complied with these conditions. The High Court is set to review the matter on December 5.
As the situation continues to develop, the Mahapanchayat in Uttarkashi underscores the growing polarization in the region, with demands for strict action against perceived encroachments and demographic changes. The calls for demolitions, a crackdown on illegal structures, and preservation of Uttarkashi’s religious identity reflect the rising tensions and concerns within the local community. The political, social, and religious undertones of the event are expected to continue to shape discussions in the coming weeks as the matter is reviewed by the court and the government.
On October 20, the administration shared registry and mutation documents for the land, but dissatisfaction persisted. By October 24, a procession organized by Hindu groups turned violent, resulting in stone-pelting and police lathicharge, which left 29 people, including 8 police personnel, injured. Following this, a curfew was imposed in Uttarkashi for five days.
The situation intensified when police filed cases against 8 named and 2 unidentified individuals, while three Hindu activists were arrested on October 26 and later released on bail on November 11. Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) then took charge of the movement, forming the Dev Bhoomi Vichar Manch and announcing a Mahapanchayat on December 1. Amid growing tensions, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered an inquiry into the mosque land, leading to the transfer of SP Amit Srivastava and the reassignment of other administrative officials. The matter also reached the High Court, which directed the administration to ensure the mosque’s security. Prohibitory orders were imposed within a 50-meter radius of the site, with heavy security deployed.
Mahapanchayat and the resolution to make Uttarkashi a religious city
The Mahapanchayat, held at Ramlila Maidan, saw Gangotri MLA Suresh Chauhan declare a resolution to make Uttarkashi a religious city. He urged attendees to pledge their commitment to this vision, marking a new chapter in the ongoing controversy.
At the Mahapanchayat, MLA Suresh Chauhan addressed the growing concerns of priests, saints, and local Hindu organizations regarding the preservation of Uttarkashi’s religious sanctity. He commended the efforts of the youth who have closed meat shops along the banks of the Ganga, emphasizing the need to prevent any disruption to the spiritual and cultural atmosphere of the city. While reaffirming respect for the faith of long-standing Muslim residents, he stressed that the controversy surrounding the mosque had sparked widespread questions. Reports about the mosque’s existence, its legal status, and the changing demographic patterns have raised alarms, prompting Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to order an impartial investigation. Chauhan assured the gathering that if the mosque is found illegal, it will be demolished.
Based on the reports from Hindu Post, the temple-mosque controversy in Bharat has deep historical roots, dating back to the medieval era when Islamic invaders and Mughal rulers established their dominance by encroaching upon Hindu temples. Such cases are numerous across Bharat, and Hindu organizations like VHP and Bajrang Dal have tirelessly worked to raise awareness within the Hindu community about the importance of religious activity and unity. Events like Mahapanchayats and meetings play a crucial role in countering the growing influence of Islamic radicalism, particularly addressing issues like love jihad and the encroachment of land. These efforts are essential in neutralizing the threats posed by such radical ideologies and ensuring the protection of Hindu identity.
