In Uttarkashi district, the United Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Dal organized a “Hindu Janakrosh Maharally” at Hanuman Chowk, the district headquarters. People from various Hindu organizations and business associations gathered to participate in the rally. Prominent Hindutva figures such as Swami Darshan Bharti, Lakhpat Bhandari, and Rakesh were among those present.
The rally, held on Thursday, October 24, was organized to protest the construction of a mosque in the Barahat area of Uttarakhand and alleged land encroachment by outsiders. In anticipation of the rally, the police and administration implemented strict security measures. Protesters marched from the main market to Bhatwadi Road, but their progress was halted by barricades set up by the police, leading to a brief scuffle between the two groups.
Police officials have confirmed the deployment of an IRB platoon in Uttarkashi to ensure security. Local traders also supported the rally, leading to the closure of markets in areas like Dunda, Uttarkashi, and Joshiyada. SDM Bhatwadi Mukesh Chand Ramola and Deputy Superintendent of Police Prashant Kumar stated that security arrangements had been tightened in response to the rally.
Hindu organizations have labeled the mosque in Uttarkashi city as illegal, with initial RTI inquiries suggesting that relevant records were unavailable. However, subsequent clarification declared the mosque legal.
On October 19, the Muslim community submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate, presenting all necessary documents related to the mosque, including land registry papers and documents from the Sunni Waqf Board. They requested that the rally be stopped and security be provided for the mosque.
A press release from the district administration on October 21 stated that District Magistrate Meherban Singh Bisht had directed SDM Bhatwadi Mukesh Chand Ramola to investigate the legality of the mosque. The SDM confirmed that the claims of illegal construction on Khasra numbers 2221, 2222, and 2223 of Mauja-Barahat (Tehsil Bhatwadi), covering 0.099 hectares, were false. The land in question was legally sold on May 20, 1969, to several individuals from Uttarkashi, including Ramzan Ali, Abdul Hameed Beg, Ali Ahmed, Yasin Beg, Ilahivaksh, and Muhammad Rafiq.
