Maulana Razvi urges dialogue to resolve Ujjain mosque dispute
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi urges peaceful dialogue and restraint in the Ujjain mosque dispute following sudden administrative action.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, has called for immediate communication between authorities and stakeholders to address the escalating Ujjain mosque dispute in Madhya Pradesh. Speaking from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, the religious leader emphasized that the current friction could have been avoided through proactive engagement with the local community.
Criticism of Administrative Approach
The Maulana raised serious questions regarding the methods employed by the local administration. He noted that the tension currently gripping the region is a direct result of a breakdown in communication. According to his statement, the administration failed to consult with the mosque committee or the local residents before taking decisive steps.
The dispute intensified when teams from the municipal corporation and the police arrived at the site unexpectedly, accompanied by bulldozers. This sudden movement prompted local residents to gather at the location to protest and attempt to safeguard the structure, which is estimated to be approximately 600 years old.
A Call for Peace and Legal Recourse
While acknowledging the right of citizens to voice their grievances, Maulana Razvi stressed the importance of maintaining order. He highlighted several key points for the community and the authorities:
- Constitutional Rights: He affirmed that protesting is a legal and constitutional right, but it must be conducted in a peaceful manner.
- Avoidance of Violence: The Maulana warned that violent outbursts do not solve problems and only serve to deepen communal tensions.
- Legal Channels: He urged individuals to pursue their concerns through the appropriate legal frameworks rather than through street confrontations.
Appeal to the Muslim Community
Addressing the local population specifically, Maulana Razvi made a heartfelt appeal to the Muslim community in Ujjain to practice restraint. He cautioned against engaging in violent demonstrations, noting that such actions could escalate the situation into a broader communal conflict.
In his closing remarks, he directed a plea toward the administration, requesting them to sit down with all relevant parties. He argued that a structured dialogue is the only viable path toward finding a peaceful and lasting resolution to the dispute.