5 mosques rebuilt in Jat villages

A total of nine mosques were badly damaged during the riots; one was reconstructed the same day.

“We surveyed the mosques and mobilised resources from the Muslim community for their reconstruction. Five of these are ready and handed over to the locals,” said District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma.

The Jats reportedly did not raise any objection to the rebuilding of the mosques. “We took the other community (Jats) in confidence. Muslims were returning to these villages but a damaged mosque would have an adverse impact on them. When there was a consensus,we asked Muslims to take the initiative

for reconstruction of the mosques,” Sharma said. Financial help for

rebuilding these mosques came from the locals,mainly affluent Muslim traders.

The district administration arranged for masons and labourers and also purchased the required items while Muslims were asked to supervise the work.

“When the mosques will become functional,it will instil confidence in Muslims to return to their villages,” Sharma said.

Mosques in remaining three villages,however,remain damaged with Muslims yet to return there .

No one-sided action: Akhilesh <\b>