Jaipur, Jun 21 (PTI) Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday alleged that the state government was selectively targeting religious sites belonging to the Muslim community in Rajasthan districts bordering Pakistan under the guise of an anti-encroachment drive.
Gehlot claimed that following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Bikaner in May, action was initiated in the state’s border districts to identify and demolish religious structures associated with the Muslim community.
He alleged that several decades-old religious sites were being targeted as part of the exercise.
“The border districts of Rajasthan have historically witnessed communal harmony despite having a diverse religious population, and places of worship of different faiths have coexisted peacefully,” he said.
The senior Congress leader claimed that several mosques and shrines in the region have traditionally been maintained by members of the Hindu community and alleged that local residents, including Hindus, were opposing the ongoing action.
Gehlot alleged that the drive appeared to be aimed at creating political polarisation and disturbing the social fabric in an otherwise peaceful region.
He said the action had generated resentment among local residents and demanded that the Union Home Ministry clarify its position on the issue.
He also called for the exercise to be stopped immediately, stating that maintaining peace and security in border areas was a constitutional responsibility of the authorities. PTI SDA.
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