By Tarique Anwar, TwoCircles.net
Patna: What happened on the eve of this past Holi at a Muslim graveyard at Sarthwa village in Jahanabad district was a planned conspiracy to disturb communal harmony.
According to the confirmed reports, some anti-social elements entered the Muslim graveyard breaking its newly constructed boundary wall to perform a Hindu ritual of Holika Dahan.
Remains of burnt wood (of Holika Dahan) inside the graveyard, broken boundary wall and illegal construction on graveyard’s land outside the boundary walls
The graveyard is spread over more than four acres, of which more than 1 acre has been encroached upon and has construction on it. Very recently the government has ordered to fence the part of the graveyard which is not occupied.
Muslim United Front sent a delegation comprising 100 people there to investigate the matter. The delegation led by Front’s General Secretary Ejazuddin Ansari visited the place on 28th March 2008 and submitted its report which says that some anti-social elements entered the graveyard breaking its boundary wall on 21st March 2008. They damaged a new grave. The delegation saw a lot of burnt remains of wood inside the graveyard, a proof that Holika Dahan was performed there.
Delegates inspecting the damaged grave
Talking to TCN, president of the Front Md Abu Quaisar said the evil work was done at the behest of some local political leaders. Their aim was to disturb communal harmony and then by intervening, they wanted to improve their image before the Chief Minister and the public.
When TCN contacted Imarat Shariah to know their response, general secretary of the organization Maulana Anisur Rahman Quasmi said he had written a letter to home secretary and chairman of Bihar State Minority Commission and asked them to conduct a fresh survey of the entire property of the graveyard. Maulana Qausmi asked the authorities to ensure reconstruction of the demolished boundary wall of the graveyard.
Muslim United Front has also demanded complete removal of illegal construction from the graveyard. They also demanded the government to take actions against those who were involved in the anti-social activity.