MATHURA AND VARANASI MASJID

AIMMM: Delegation to Mathura and Varanasi

Shahabuddin's Letters to Home Minister Indrajit Gupta

The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) recently sent separate delegations to Mathura and Varanasi to take stock of the situation prevailing over there including the security arrangements at Shahi Masjid Idgah in Mathura and Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi. On the return of the delegations the AIMMM Vice-president Syed Shahabuddin wrote letters to the Union Home Minister, Mr. Inderjit Gupta informing him of the situation and suggesting some changes in the arrangements in order to avoid Babari Masjid-like incidents in the future.

I-On Shahi Masjid Idgah, 16 June, 1997

On 13th June 1997 a 4-member delegation of the All India Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat (AIMMM) headed by myself quietly visited Mathura to take stock of the present situation, especially in relation to the security arrangements for the protection of the Shahi Masjid Idgah. As you are aware, the VHP has launched a nationwide movement for the "liberation" of Shahi Masjid Idgah on the ground that it stands on the birthsite of Lord Krishna, notwithstanding the fact that Shri Krishna Janmasthan Mandir stands just to the west of the SM Idgah and was built in the wake of 1968-69 agreement between the Hindu and Muslim communities of Mathura under which the Muslim community ceded all rights to the land lying to the west, north and south of the structure.

The delegation was glad to note that despite constant mobilisation by the VHP in the rural areas of Mathura and neighbouring districts, the life in the city was flowing in its normal rhythm. We were told that neither the Hindus nor the Muslims of Mathura want any trouble on this score and that it was the only the outsiders who were vitiating such an atmosphere.

The delegation was also glad to note the arrangements made by the Central Government for the security of the structure. Congregational Namaz was being performed 5 times a day, apart from Friday and Eid congregations.

However, on behalf of the delegation, I would like to make the following suggestions for your kind consideration:-

1. The security perimeters are manned by the Central Security and Intelligence personnel but the entire security system is under the command of the local SSP. In view of the noteworthy behaviour of the then SSP, Faizabad on 6 December 1992 when Babari Masjid was demolished, there is a general demand that security arrangements for the SM Idgah, Mathura should be in the hands of a senior officer directly responsible to the Central Government.

2. An over-bridge should be urgently constructed to provide an easy and secure access to the Masjid from the east over the Metre Gauge track that runs in front of it. This will help sav the SM Idgah against mischievous intrusion.

3. The SM Idgah Trust should be permitted to put up two boards - one at the point where the access road meets the main road and the other at the entrance to the Masjid indicating the timings of the congregational prayers, and that the structure is open for Namaz and to bona fide visitors. This is to obviate the occasional complaints that the security personnel on duty interfere with the freedom to enter and pray in the Masjid.

4. There is a general suspicion that while building the Shri Krishna Jamansthan Mandir on the west of the Masjid the western foundations of the Masjid have been undermined. This is confirmed by a tap on the floor of the Masjid at the point where the Imam leads the Namaz. This has also a security implication. It is, therefore, suggested that a team consisting of a representative of SM Idgah Trust, the Krishna Janmasthan Trust and the Central Government should examine the site and if there is burrowing under the Masjid on a sub-sidence or any construction to the east of the vertical wall mazar, it may be corrected to the satisfaction of all concerned in the light of the inter-community agreement of 1968-69.

5. The access road from the main Delhi Mathura Road to the Masjid should be widened and aligned in line with the central gate of the Masjid so that there are unrestricted view and the access to the Masjid, across the Railway over bridge, when it is constructed.

The Mushawarat would be grateful if you kindly consider these suggestions.

II-On Gyanvapi Masjid, Varanasi, 27 June, 1997

The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushwarat deputed a 3-men delegation to Varanasi to familiarise itself with the security arrangements for the protection of the Gyanvapi Masjid and to assess the local mood.

I am glad to inform you that life in Varanasi is moving happily with its normal rhythm. It was crystal clear that no one in Varanasi would like to see trouble in which life would be paralysed and business would suffer. However, in the month of shravan the VHP is likely to reenact the drama of Jal Abhishek and try to mobilise the people for this purpose.

The Police officials on duty expressed confidence that they would be able to tackle the problem. However, we would like to make the following suggestions for your consideration: -

1. Presently the forces on duty consists of UP police, the PAC and the CRPF. It is suggested that, if possible, under the command of a senior officer directly responsible to the DG in Delhi. This should not be considered as an aspersion on the UP police but one has to take necessary action in the light of what happened at Ayodhya on 6 December, 1992.

Secondly, Namaz is performed in the Masjid 5 times a day. On Friday prayers there is a larger congregation but on the two Ids and on the last Friday of Ramazan even the roof of the Masjids is open. Two problems were mentioned. (i) Even those performing Namaz regularly in the Masjid are checked and re-checked. Strangers have to be checked but those who are regular users of the Masjid can be identified, if necessary, with the cooperation of the Imam and the Muezzin and need not be subjected to personal checking. (ii) On the 3 occasions mentioned above, the door of the stair case on north-western corner of the Masjid should be made accessible. Finally, the underground cellars of the Masjid which have been locked should be brick-walled.

We request you to consider these suggestions.