Hindus and Muslims unite in Rajasthan’s border villages against mosque demolitions
Hindus and Muslims unite in Rajasthan’s border villages against mosque demolitions
M.U.H
29/06/202613
Hindus and Muslims in Rajasthan’s border districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer have jointly organised protests under the slogan 'Sarv Dharm Shanti Sabha' (Peaceful Assembly of All Religions) against the demolition of mosques and other Muslim religious structures, calling on the state government to halt the drive and preserve the region’s long-standing communal harmony.
The protests, held in villages including Badbir in Barmer and parts of Jaisalmer, brought together members of both communities, who marched together, submitted memorandums to the administration, and demanded that authorities follow due process and the law before taking action against religious sites.
The demonstrations stand out at a time when communal issues are often marked by polarisation, with Hindu villagers joining Muslims to oppose what they describe as the selective targeting of mosques.
Among those leading the protests was Paradia village Sarpanch Surtaram Meghwal, who questioned the legality of the demolition drive.
“I believe these demolitions are an extrajudicial exercise and are being carried out without following any due process,” Meghwal told Maktoob.
Questioning the government’s approach, he added, “If mosques are being checked and demolished, then temples should also be examined under the same standards.”
Referring to the protest in Badbir, Meghwal said villagers had mobilised after multiple religious structures were demolished.
“We protested against the demolition of these religious structures in Badbir. Through this protest, we wanted to oppose the demolitions and convey our message peacefully,” he said.
According to Meghwal, the movement has strengthened communal harmony rather than creating divisions.
“Since this protest began, we have seen greater brotherhood, as always. More people are coming forward in support, and we believe there is still time to resolve the issue,” he said.
He said protesters had also submitted a memorandum to the administration demanding an immediate halt to the demolitions.
“We have submitted a memorandum to the administration with our demands, and we hope the authorities will listen to our concerns,” he said.
He further said, “Why are only mosques and religious structures of Muslims being targeted, and what is the due process being followed while doing so? If there are mosques, there are temples as well; those establishments should also be checked.”
“I have been elected as a two-time Sarpanch, and I can say with full responsibility that Hindus and Muslims don’t have any issues with each other in our region,” Meghwal added.
“All these institutions are doing politics, and it will not break the unity of the people of Rajasthan, because whenever there is any such issue, we will always stand with our Muslim brothers,” the Sarpanch said.
Udaram Meghwal, who participated in the protest, told Maktoob, “This is not about one religion. It is about our village and the harmony we have lived with for generations. If a mosque is demolished without addressing the concerns of the people, every resident of the village is affected. That is why Hindus and Muslims stood together. And we will keep standing with each other.”
He added, “People outside may see this as a Hindu-Muslim issue, but in our village, in our region, we have always celebrated festivals together and stood by each other in difficult times. We came together because we want to preserve that tradition, not allow it to be divided.”
Govind Bhargav, a participant in the Jaisalmer protests, told Maktoob that the demonstrations were intended to defend communal harmony in the region and demand equal treatment for all before the law.
The demonstrations come amid an ongoing demolition drive targeting mosques, dargahs, and madrasas in Rajasthan’s border districts. Jaisalmer is one of the affected districts, along with others.
“The biggest message from this protest is that ordinary people want peace. We don't want politics to divide neighbours who have lived together for decades. Our unity is stronger than attempts to create differences among us,” Bhargav told Maktoob.
He said, “While the government has described the action as an anti-encroachment exercise, religious structures should not be demolished without due legal process and consultation with local communities.”
He added, “The mazaar that was demolished in our area was many years old and was a place of devotion for both Hindus and Muslims.”
“The joint participation of Hindus and Muslims was intended to send a message that the issue was not confined to one community but concerned the social fabric of villages where we have coexisted for generations,” said Bhargav.
Despite criticism on social media over Hindus joining protests against mosque demolitions, Bhargav dismissed the backlash.
“People can say what they want. We are doing our work, and this is what all of us want—peace and unity. Nobody wants the kind of environment politics has created,” he said.
The protesters said they would continue their campaign through peaceful demonstrations and legal means until their concerns are addressed by the state government.
The move has been appreciated by many online. Sanjay Hegde, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, wrote on X, “People are getting tired of this Hindu Muslim nonsense which is spewed while their pockets are being robbed.”
Civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad, questioning the media in a post on X, asked, “Where is the ‘national media?’ Whenever there are examples of genuine secularism and harmony it doesnt fit the commericial corporate media narrative (allied with the Regime’s).”
Meanwhile, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), in a press conference, claimed that 350 mosques have been served notices across the 1,050-kilometre border region spanning four Rajasthan districts—Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Shriganganagar, and Barmer—where there is a significant Muslim population.
Under “Operation Sweep,” the Rajasthan administration and security agencies launched a massive anti-encroachment and security drive along the India-Pakistan border, with a heavy focus on the Barmer and Jaisalmer sectors. However, activists have accused the administration of selectively applying rules against Muslims and their religious places.
