Hindu Mahasabha threatens to 'purify' Idgah mosque, install Krishna idol; Mathura in lockdown

CrPC section 144 has been imposed in the district of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh after a threat was made by extremist right-wing organisation Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha to 'purify' the Shahi Idgah mosque and install a Krishna idol in it. Similar threats have been advanced by the Narayani Sena, which has said it will take out a march from Vishram Ghat to Sri Krishna Janmasthan, demanding the "removal" of the mosque.

Hindu Mahasabha leader Rajyashri Choudhary had earlier said her organisation will install the idol of Lord Krishna in the Shahi Idgah after a "maha jalabhishek" to "purify" the place on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition.

"Section 144 is already in force in the district. Strict action will be taken against those found indulging in rumor-mongering or trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the town. We have received information that some organisations are trying to hold an event or a foot march (to the Eidgah) on December 6," said SSP (Mathura) Gaurav Grover to India TV.

The Idgah mosque, which dates back to the 17th century, has also become the centre of a communal tussle after a petition was submitted to the Uttar Pradesh district court in September to remove the mosque, citing that it was built on the temple complex of the Katra Keshava Dev Temple of Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi. Both the mosque and the temple have been placed under tight security following threats.

Sri Krishna Janmabhumi Mukti Aandolan Samiti president and advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh had told the Mathura court that the Intazamia Committee (mosque management committee) would be offered a piece of land larger than the one on which Shahi Masjid Idgah stands if the committee voluntarily demolished the mosque and handed the land over to the Samiti.

Circle officer Abhishek Tewari, who interacted with minority community leaders in Mathura, assured them that the administration has put safeguards in place, and said, "No one will be allowed to do any mischief." It has also been reported that the Mahasabha had applied for permission to install the idol in the mosque which the police denied.

Police said they have detained Narayani Sena secretary Amit Mishra in Mathura Kotwali, while the outfit claimed its national president Manish Yadav has been detained in Lucknow.

The Quami Ekta Manch has also appealed for calm and requested Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to provide extra security in the area until December 6. Munch founder Madhuvan Dutt Chaturvedi said that said it has been 53 years since an agreement was signed between the management of the Shahi Eidgah and Sri Krishna Janamasthan Sansthan to maintain the status quo.