The Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has delivered a poignant and urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting his profound worry over the rapidly deteriorating communal situation across India. His plea comes amidst a wave of mosque surveys in various regions, culminating in the tragic violence that erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The events in Sambhal, where a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi area led to a deadly confrontation on November 27th, leaving four people dead and numerous others injured, including police personnel, serve as a stark illustration of the growing tensions. The incident stemmed from a petition claiming the mosque was built on the site of a previously existing Harihar temple.
During a prayer service at the historic Jama Masjid, Imam Bukhari painted a grim picture, stating, “We are standing in a situation worse than the one we were in 1947. The future direction of our country remains uncertain.” His words carry a weight of historical context, referencing the tumultuous partition of India and Pakistan, underscoring the gravity of the current situation. The Imam’s direct address to the Prime Minister was clear and forceful: “You (PM Modi) should do justice to the chair you are sitting on. Win the hearts of Muslims. Stop the miscreants who are trying to create tensions and affect the atmosphere of the country.”
Bukhari’s appeal underscores the growing anxieties within the Muslim community regarding the recent actions. The mosque surveys, some argue, are fostering an environment of suspicion and fear, potentially exacerbating existing fault lines. The Sambhal incident serves as a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of such actions, underscoring the urgent need for de-escalation and dialogue. The Imam’s call for the Prime Minister to intervene and address the root causes of these tensions highlights the critical need for strong leadership and decisive action to prevent further violence and promote communal harmony. The events in Sambhal, and the Imam’s powerful statement, demand a thorough investigation and a renewed commitment to fostering peace and understanding in India. The nation watches with bated breath to see how the government will respond to this urgent plea for peace.
