In Noida village, plot at centre of row between two communities

Gautam Budh Nagar police said in a statement, “The Pal community wanted to establish a Shivling by building a Shiva temple. The Muslim community… opposed this move. Village pradhan Abdul Rauf said they can build a temple at any other location on gram sabha land in the village.”

It further said, “On July 8, a meeting was held with both communities under SDM Dadri and Assistant Commissioner of Police II. To maintain law and order, a team of police and PAC has been deployed… at the disputed site. On July 12, under directions of SDM Dadri, a madrasa in the village, constructed on government land, was demolished.”

DCP (Central Noida) Anil Kumar Yadav said even after talks, a few men were adamant on offering water at the site. “Some people (kanwariyas) from the village had gone to Haridwar… There was talk that after they came back, they would offer water at the disputed site. However, both parties (Hindus and Muslims) had agreed they would not indulge in anything that can disturb religious harmony or violate laws. On July 14, I came here with an entire police team and held talks. But an attempt was made to offer water at the same place by a (man)… and his companions… he (also) misbehaved with police,” said Yadav.

Earlier, the plot used to be a well which gradually disappeared. In 2008, the former gram pradhan built walls around it. Muslim families live on three sides and Hindu families behind it.
Resident Dharamchand (47) said there was no plan to offer water at the site: “… We wanted to cover the space as people were throwing garbage. But the village made it an issue. When I and a few others were going home today, which is near the plot, police personnel stopped and abused us,” he claimed.
He said there are only 10 houses of the Pal community in the village. “There is a temple of the SC community, but we don’t go there, we want our own,” he added.

Pradhan Rauf said he had offered an alternate plot for the temple. “They did not agree… I have also complained against Muslims for encroaching on government land. It is wrong to say that I complained against those wanting to build the temple because they are Hindu. My effort was to maintain peace as both communities have been living here for years.”

Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Sureshrao Kulkarni visited the village Sunday and held talks with the communities. He said without approval of the competent authority, neither mandir nor masjid can be built. “A committee has been formed by nominating five people each from both sides. Further action will be taken keeping in view revenue records… It has been agreed by both sides that they will maintain status quo. No application has come for building a temple so far. If a representation is given, we will consider it,” he said.