The Mid Day
September 8,
2009
MAYHEM IN MIRAJ
AFTER RIOTS, BOND SIGNED IN BLOOD
Hindus get down to repairing damaged mosques, Muslims vow to reduce
noise from loudspeakers
By:
Sanjeev Devasia
Communal tension that
had engulfed Miraj following riots between Hindus and Muslims over an
arch depicting Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji slaying Mughal
knight Afzal Khan seems to have eased. People in the town are now
stepping out without fear because of an unwritten understanding and a
code of conduct suggested by leaders of both the communities. The
understanding includes things like Muslims shutting mutton shops
during Hindu festivals.
Joint meet
"Hindus and Muslims held a joint meeting where both communities
expressed their grievances and issues they want resolved. As a show of
solidarity, the meeting was attended by members of all parties in the
grampanachayat that is ruled by the Shiv Sena. Muslims wanted an
assurance that Hindus would protect them during any eventuality," said
Ramdas Patil, a grampanchayat member.
Battu Patil, a panchayat member, said, "No outsider will be allowed to
enter the local mosque. The number of speakers in the mosque will also
be reduced after Eid. The majority population should assure that they
will only condemn an incident and ensure there is no violence against
minorities."
Krishna Prakash, Sangli superintendent of police, said, "We encourage
the understanding between the two communities. We have also asked
other communities to provide funds to rebuild damaged places of
worship and houses." In fact, some Hindus have already raised funds
and are repairing mosques and houses of Muslims damaged in the
violence.
Cause of riot
A welcome arch, put up by the Shiv Sena, depicting Shivaji killing
Afzal Khan, triggered the riots.
On September 2, a group pelted the arch with stones and forced the
administration to remove it. A day later, on visarjan day, Ganesh
mandals refused to immerse idols unless the arch was reinstalled. The
cops then served notices, asking them to dismantle pandals.