The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the U.S. Department of State to publicly condemn the threatened destruction of Ujjain’s historic Shahi Masjid in Madhya Pradesh, India, and urgently engage Indian authorities to prevent further damage to the mosque and protect the rights of its worshippers.
SEE: Tear Gas, Lathi Charge In Protesters vs Cops Over Ujjain Mosque Removal
The Ujjain Municipal Corporation has sought to remove part of the mosque for an apparent road-widening project. According to reports, the mosque dates back to 1390 and demolition plans threaten part of its prayer hall, a minaret and other key features. The mosque is registered as a waqf property with a recognized religious-property status. A September 9 ruling rejected legal challenges to the project.
On Monday, residents gathered to oppose the removal. Police used tear gas after clashes broke out near the mosque.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“It is time for the State Department and members of Congress to speak out forcefully against the Indian government’s escalating war on religious minorities, especially given the warm embrace Narendra Modi has received from many American political leaders.
“The centuries-old mosque that Modi’s far-right Hindutva regime seeks to destroy is a vibrant place of worship and an irreplaceable part of the local community’s history. Its walls are not simply an obstacle on a planning map.
“The State Department should make clear that the United States is watching what happens in Ujjain and urge Indian authorities to stop any further destruction while the mosque’s preservation and the worshippers’ rights are fully addressed.
“Road improvements must not become a reason to sacrifice a historic house of worship when alternatives and less damaging approaches deserve serious consideration. The people seeking to protect Shahi Masjid should be heard, treated with dignity and allowed to exercise their rights peacefully.”
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has warned about deteriorating religious freedom conditions for minorities in India, including threats to houses of worship. It has repeatedly called for India to be listed on the U.S. State Department’s list of ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ (CPC).
SEE: REPORT: United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Country Brief: India
India Continues to Weaponize Terrorism Laws to Detain Religious Minorities
In August, CAIR joined USCIRF in calling on the State Department to levy sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an Indian far-right Hindutva militia guilty of persecuting Muslims, Christians and other religious minorities.
CAIR is urging the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi to seek an immediate briefing from Indian authorities, press for a transparent assessment of alternatives that would preserve the mosque’s structure and religious functions and urge authorities to protect worshippers and allow peaceful expression without intimidation or excessive force.
CAIR also called on U.S. officials to raise the broader protection of Muslim places of worship and waqf properties in their discussions with India.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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