Huge police deployment by the Uttar Pradesh authorities was visible in many areas of Varanasi (Banaras), Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency on Friday, February 2. Sabrang India spoke to several stake holders on the ground who gave first hand reports of the situation which was tense but peaceful.

A senior educationist from the United Public School, speaking to Sabrang India this afternoon stated that while there was huge police deployment, there was no untoward incident. Police presence was visible in several areas including Saraiya. The presence of police generated anxiety and most of the community has not turned out to work or let children go to school, she said. He also said that the community had no option but to accept the decision of the court.

A young weaver and businessman, Aman from Lallapura, alluded to the Appeal for Peace made by Mufti Abdul Batin Nomani who had also advised Banarasi Muslims to offer Friday prayers from their residences or the mosque closes to home and avoid going to Gyan Vapi mosque. Aman told Sabrang India that shops, looms, looms are all closed, large police force is deployed and the area remained peaceful.

Late night puja facilitated by the district administration on February 1 resulted in a call for a bandh in minority areas of Varanasi (Banaras) on Friday even as the Shahar Mufti Abdul Batin Nomani called for peace and calm. With the undue haste with which the district magistrate of Varanasi (Kashi) has allowed the prayers (puja) inside the historic Gyan Vapi masjid (mosque, despite a week’s time “suggested” by the courts, the Mosque Committee (Anjuman Arrangement Committee) called for a bandh that today, until 2 p.m. was completely successful in minority areas and peaceful. Speaking to Sabrang India from the various spots in the city, local Muslims spoke of the anguish and anxiety they are living through. “Prayers” were allowed in the basement of the historic mosque on the banks of the Ganga Thursday evening.

In most areas of the city dominated by a visible Muslim population especially Madanpura, Dalmandi, Nayi Sadak, Lallapura, Saraiya, shops and businesses remain shit, there was an eerie silence as the community grieved and people stopped working and watched news on their mobiles.

Besides, Sabrang India’s reports from the ground show that a fairly large number of Muslims did reach the Gyanvapi Masjid to offer Friday Namaz (Prayers), but in view of the crowd, a small number of people were actually allowed inside the Gyanvapi Masjid for prayers. The remaining people were asked to offer namaz at their homes or in other mosques.

Sabrang India correspondent speaking to one Salim, a small shopkeeper in Saraymir Azamgarh, also evinced the opinion that not only was there peace prevalent in the city but that there is no communal tension and all will accept the finaly court decision. Noman a retired officer from Sant Ravidas Nagar, however stated that the situation all around the country is worrisome and the minorities feel helpless. “These people, “he said, referring to the supremacists who are creating conflicts against the minorities, “will commit a genocide after winning the 2024 elections. So many young men are telling us to leave the city, but when our elders, parents are buried here, when this is our land, how can we leave?”

Related:

Puja in Gyanvapi: Mosque Committee announces bandh, Shahr Mufti Batin Nomani appeals for peace

Gyanvapi, Mathura: Apex Court order not to entertain Mughal rulers’ ‘actions’ ignored

The SC’s decision on ASI Survey of Gyanvapi: An analysis

UP: After Gyanvapi, Mathura Court Orders Shahi Idgah Survey; ‘Violation’ of Places of Worship Act, Say Activists

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