Despite Hindus Protesting Since 2001, Mosque To Come Up In Sanpada, Residents Claim It’s To Create Communal Tension 

On Tuesday (27 November), the Akhil Sanpada Rahiwasi Mahasangh marched to protest against a proposed mosque in Sanpada – the Sion-Panel highway was blocked in the process. These protests have been taking place since 2001.

“Sanpada is a Hindu majority area with only 51 Muslim families. Bringing a mosque here is akin to creating a religious clash,” said Ghanshyam Pate of the Mahasangh.

The protests started at around 8 am after rituals at the Ganesh Temple and the protesters even shaved off their heads. The police managed to take control of the situation and detained some protesters an hour after it started.

“We have been protesting against the mosque since 2001. In 2002, the then senior inspector had sent a favourable report for the mosque, despite our protests. We have spoken to the municipal authorities to find a different place with sizeable Muslim population for the mosque, but now they seem to be adamant to make it in Sanpada,” Pate added. As reported by Indian Express.

The residents claim that the construction of the mosque would disturb peace and harmony of the Hindu majority area.