Saffron clashes with green, again
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the Bhojshala complex a Hindu temple, intensifying communal tensions in the region. The ruling has led to celebrations among the Hindu community, while the Muslim community plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. Shanno Bai, who lost her husband during past communal clashes, reflects on the ongoing struggles of her family amidst these developments.
- ▪The Bhojshala complex has been a site of historical and communal significance, with competing claims from Hindus and Muslims.
- ▪The Madhya Pradesh High Court's recent ruling has declared the site as a temple dedicated to goddess Vagdevi.
- ▪The Muslim community has rejected the court's recommendation for an alternative mosque site and plans to appeal the decision.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Shanno Bai sits outside her kutcha house in Urdya Baida village, about 35 kilometres from Dhar town in Madhya Pradesh. One of her eight children works in the fields, while her grandchildren play nearby.An unpaved road leading to her house has a small statue. It is of Shanno’s husband, Van Singh Araadi, who died in 2003 in police firing during communal clashes in Dhar district.Recalling the events of that time, the family says that while there had been a clarion call from a local Hindu mystic to join a protest rally in neighbouring Amjhera town, Van Singh had only gone there to get his wheat ground.“My father had gone to get atta from wheat,” says Shanno’s eldest son, Vikram. “There was a rally which ran into clashes with the police as a curfew was in place in Amjhera.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
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