Dhar, Aug 7 (IANS) Religious observances by both Hindu and Muslim communities concluded peacefully on Friday at the historic Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar, under extensive security arrangements that ensured complete peace and harmony in the city.
However, police officials said that an alternate site has been marked but the communities have to come up with consensus so the Muslim community can perform namaz during the coming Fridays.
The Muslim community offered Friday namaz (prayers) at the designated site, while members of the Hindu community recited the “Hanuman Chalisa” after worshipping a portrait of Goddess Vagdevi.
Around 1,000 police personnel were deployed within the complex and surrounding sensitive areas as part of comprehensive security measures.
Due to rain the previous Friday, the site had become muddy.
The administration had suggested a nearby site as an alternative for better conditions.
However, after the community declined to shift, authorities made arrangements at the original location.
The municipality levelled the path by laying crushed stone, enabling the Muslim community to offer prayers at the site without difficulty.
Dhar Superintendent of Police (SP) Sachin Sharma told IANS, “Alternate site has been marked at 40-feet Dargah or Rakba number 639 but communities have not reached consensus. If they come up with consensus the namaz will be allowed on those sites during coming Fridays.”
Coinciding with the prayer timings, the Hindu community conducted its scheduled religious observances at the Bhojshala complex.
District administration remained fully alert to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order.
According to SP Sachin Sharma, a force of about 1,000 police personnel was stationed across the complex and nearby areas.
Police closed the Bisleri Road using barricades and strictly regulated movement around the site.
The events against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings related to the site.
A hearing on four petitions filed by the Muslim side concerning Bhojshala was scheduled for August 5 before a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva.
The hearing did not take place, and a fresh date is awaited.
Both communities completed their religious activities as planned, with no reports of disruption.
The coordinated efforts of police and civic authorities ensured smooth conduct of the observances at the sensitive historic complex.
–IANS
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