PUBLIC WORKS Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who was camping in Dhar town to monitor the situation, today said that the Archaeological Survey of India, which had taken possession of the 11th century monument built during the rule of Parmar ruler Raja Bhoj, had stipulated an ‘impractical schedule’ for prayers by both communities, and the State Government would lodge its protest with the ASI.
He told reporters, “The BJP government strived to discharge its ‘Rajdharma’ in maintaining communal harmony and was successful”.
Meanwhile, the Hindu Jagaran Manch, which launched a movement for ‘liberating’ the Bhojshala, said yesterday’s police action to control the surging mob of devotees had hurt the sentiments of Hindus.
However, the Muslim community is also equally annoyed, saying they were compelled to offer token prayers though there was
no such tradition.
The opposition Congress also sought Governor Balram Jakhar’s intervention to prevent any attempt to change or tamper with the historic structure.
As many as 18 people, including 12 police officials, were injured in stone-throwing and police action at the historic Bhojshala in this western Madhya Pradesh town.
The incident occurred during the curfew which was imposed briefly yesterday to enable Muslims to offer Friday prayers against the backdrop of the Hindu Jagran Manch attempt to have uninterrupted ‘Havan Pooja’ on the occasion of Basant Panchami.
Police restraint in controlling the surcharged mob was evident from the fact that only six members of the public were injured, said Vijayvargiya.
{{/usCountry}}Police restraint in controlling the surcharged mob was evident from the fact that only six members of the public were injured, said Vijayvargiya.
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