Jaipur: Tension continued to prevail outside the historic Jama Masjid in Johari Bazaar, Jaipur, following a dispute over the placement of posters late Friday night. The incident led to a large gathering at Badi Chaupad, with members of a particular group raising slogans, prompting immediate intervention by the Jaipur Commissionerate Police to defuse the situation.
The tension arose against the backdrop of nationwide outrage over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. According to officials, the unrest began when BJP MLA Balmukundacharya allegedly pasted posters outside the Jama Masjid and in surrounding areas, including the footpath near Badi Chaupad, the Ramganj market, and public toilets.
Eyewitnesses reported that MLA Balmukundacharya, accompanied by his supporters, arrived near the Jama Masjid around 8:30 p.m., carrying anti-Pakistan posters. Locals alleged that he acted disrespectfully towards the mosque and the nature of the posters, further aggravating the situation. After placing the posters, the MLA left the area, following which a significant crowd assembled, demanding his immediate arrest.
In response, police swiftly deployed a heavy force to control the escalating situation. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rashi Dogra, along with other senior officials, reached the spot, and additional police personnel were called in as a precautionary measure to maintain order.
The Jama Masjid Committee lodged an FIR against BJP MLA Balmukundacharya at the Manakchowk police station, accusing him of inciting religious sentiments. After news of the FIR being filed spread, the gathered crowd gradually began to disperse. Meanwhile, Congress MLAs Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi also reached the Police Commissionerate, lending support to the call for action.
From the mosque, appeals were made for the public to return home, with assurances that an FIR had been registered. However, several protesters insisted on Balmukundacharya's immediate arrest, warning that if action was not taken by Saturday, they would hold their afternoon prayers at the protest site.
The posters in question reportedly carried the message, "Who says terrorism does not have a religion?" and featured the image of a bearded man, which protesters claimed was deliberately aimed at hurting religious sentiments.
When contacted, MLA Balmukundacharya maintained that the posters merely conveyed a message against Pakistan and terrorism. He asserted that no religious sentiments had been hurt and that the posters had been placed at multiple locations, including near the Badi Chaupad Ganesh Temple and Sulabh toilets. According to him, "Those who dislike Pakistan could show their sentiment by stepping on the stickers with their footwear, while those who felt otherwise were free to remove them."
Initial reports indicated that the gathering began around 10 p.m., with one group protesting and putting up posters at Badi Chaupad, soon followed by a counter-gathering that led to a dispute between the two sides. Police intervened promptly, deploying additional forces to manage the situation.
Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph and Additional Police Commissioner Rameshwar Singh also reached the spot to oversee the efforts to restore calm.
Commenting on the incident, MLA Rafiq Khan stated that the protest was not confined to one community but reflected the collective sentiment of society against terrorism. He confirmed that an FIR had been registered in the matter.
With IANS inputs