Hindus
in legal battle
Keshabpur
happens to be an obscure place in Gangarampur Block, District: Dinajpur (South)
and remains under the purview of P.S. Gangarampur. The area enjoys a
Hindu-majority for centuries and contains almost 20 Muslim families. But the
same area turned out to be a hotbed of conflicts on Id-ul-Fiter (August 20 – Monday)
following a weird decision of administration to permit Muslims perform namaz in
an extensive yet vacant field worth 2 acres 42 shatak. No namaz was ever
performed there but administration permitted Muslims in this year to go on with
the same.
It
is to be noted, a Shiva temple does also exist alongside the vast tract and
Hindus, hence, were not ready to bear violation of the temple’s sanctity in any
way. Hindus, unlike others areas in Bengal ,
grouped soon and when they asked police the reason behind it, it had no other
way expect to evade.
To
quell the situation and also mounting anger of Hindus, topmost officials of
administration including District Magistrate (DM), ADM, SDO and SDPO rushed to
the spot (on the same day). In the ensuing meeting at P.S. Gangarampur, DM
asked Hindus regarding outburst of emotions and every word spoken by him did
contain ridicule to the Hindus and their mindsets. Even if DM’s rude behavior
was enough to annoy Hindus, they did not walk out.
However,
when the District Magistrate stated that 7 shatak land from the vast tract
would be handed over to the temple committee to carry on their religious
rituals (Puja), Hindus got shocked and burst into protest afterward. Adivasi (aboriginal
people) Hindus also protested strongly; even if the DM cautioned them of dire
consequences, Hindus did not back out.
The
issue is contentious still; Hindus have lodged a case (WP No. 21656) in the
court and it’s going on.
