A sort of controversy emerged in Haridwar after mosques and mazars along the Kanwar Yatra route were covered by local authorities. This move, palpably intended to ‘ensure a smooth passage for the Kanwar Yatra pilgrims’, was met with swift backlash, particularly from the Congress party, which accused the BJP of undermining religious harmony and inclusivity, ABP reported on July 26.
“It’s all part of a larger project of invisibilisation of Muslims,” said Ziya Us Salam, an eminent journalist and author of a widely acclaimed book, Being Muslim in Hindu India, to Radiance.
“First they prohibited Muslims from praying on public spaces. Next they stopped giving permission for building new mosques. Then they started demolitions in the name of road widening, etc. They banned the azaan too. Finally, they would want mosques not to have any distinct features and look like apartments or community halls.
“You don’t see Muslim architecture, their places of worship, their hijab, their food. Andinvisibilisation is complete!
“Of course, Muslim contribution is erased from history books, too.”
The coverings were placed on several mosques and mazars along the yatra’s route, ostensibly to prevent any potential conflicts or disruptions. However, this action quickly drew criticism for being insensitive to the sentiments of the Muslim community.
In response to the growing criticism, local authorities reversed the decision, removing the coverings from the mosques and mazars.
[Read more on radiancenews.com]