Action on Mosques, Madrasas in Border Districts Meant to Polarise: Gehlot

Jaipur: Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Saturday blamed the Centre for alleged action against mosques and madrassas in border districts, saying the government was doing it with the sole aim of creating tension and polarisation.

Gehlot said that districts along the India-Pakistan international border in Rajasthan have historically maintained harmony since the Independence, and regardless of the communal situation in other parts, these areas have possibly never witnessed even minor tensions.

"Targeted action against mosques and madrasas in such peaceful areas, allegedly at the instance of the Centre, only to create tension and polarisation is not appropriate," the former Rajasthan CM said.

A special survey has been initiated in areas near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan to identify unauthorised constructions and examine funding sources of buildings in sensitive border regions.

Officials said that the exercise covers all constructions within a 15-km radius of the international border.

Gehlot said that Hindu and Muslim religious places in these regions are regarded equally, and people from both communities respect each other's religious places.

Referring to the 1965 and 1971 wars, he said that people of all religions in these border areas had fully supported the army and the government in defeating Pakistan.

"Several of these religious structures predate Independence. Members of the local Hindu community have opposed the action in several places," he said.

"Such action targeting one religion is condemnable. The Centre and the state government should not create unnecessary disputes," he said.