An Ajmer court has recently issued notices to the Dargah Committee, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and the Ministry of Minority Affairs in response to a petition alleging the presence of a Shiva temple inside the Ajmer Dargah.
Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, confirmed the development.
“The concerned parties have been issued notices. However, I, as a descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty, have not been made a party to the case. We are in touch with our legal team,” Chishty told media.
Concerns Over Rising Religious Claims
Chishty voiced his concerns about the increasing frequency of claims on mosques and dargahs across the country. He noted, “These incidents are rising. Every other day, we see groups claiming mosques and dargahs. This is not beneficial for our society or the nation. India is on the path to becoming a global power—how long will we stay entangled in temple and mosque controversies?”
Call for Government Intervention
Chishty appealed to the Central Government to address the issue by enacting laws and issuing guidelines to prevent further disputes over religious sites. “Ajmer has a history spanning 850 years. I urge the Government of India to intervene and create new laws and guidelines to stop such claims. In 2022, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said, ‘How long will we keep finding Shivalayas in mosques?’ I agree with him,” he added.
Stone-Pelting Incident in Uttar Pradesh
The controversy follows recent unrest in Uttar Pradesh. On November 24, during an ASI survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district, clashes erupted, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials. The survey was initiated after a petition claimed that the Mughal-era mosque was originally a temple.
Earlier on November 19, another survey of the mosque was conducted under tight security, with local police and mosque management committee members overseeing the process.
Broader Implications
The legal disputes and violent incidents highlight growing tensions surrounding historical religious sites in India. Many are calling for a balanced approach to protect the nation’s cultural and religious harmony.
