Dehradun: Tension gripped the Thano area near Jolly Grant after a dispute erupted over plans to recite the Hanuman Chalisa at a temple located close to a mosque. Police deployed heavy force and set up barricades to prevent escalation of the situation.
According to officials, members of several Hindu organisations gathered at Thano Chowk with the intention of offering prayers and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa at a temple situated near the mosque. Police stopped them at barricades placed at the chowk, citing concerns over possible law and order issues.
Protesters alleged that the mosque in the area is illegal and that its building plan was never approved. They also claimed that a madrasa operating within the premises is not registered with the Waqf Board or the Uttarakhand government. Local residents had earlier submitted complaints to the administration and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA). Following this, a portion of the mosque premises was sealed by authorities in the presence of police personnel.
On the other hand, police officials maintained that allowing religious recitation close to the mosque could aggravate tensions. As a precautionary measure, they prevented the gathering from proceeding towards the site.
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As of now, members of Hindu organisations remain seated at Thano Chowk, demanding permission to recite the Hanuman Chalisa at the temple near the mosque. Security has been tightened in the area to avoid any untoward incident.
