A fresh chapter of Land Jihad unfolds in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Reportedly, the centuries-old stepwell near Badshah Halwai Temple on Gwarighat Road stands converted into a Mazar. The sacred ground stands altered and smeared in green paint in an attempt to reframe its identity. Local Hindu groups, alarmed by these recent changes, claim that this is an act of land grabbing, cleverly disguised as religious expansion. Let’s unpack Land Jihad In Jabalpur!
“Peacefuls” Take Over Ancient Stepwell In Jabalpur
A historical stepwell in Jabalpur, dating back to the rule of Queen Durgavati of Gondwana, holds a deep spiritual legacy for followers of Sanatan Dharma. The stepwell has Hindu symbols like the statue of Nandi Maharaj, Shivlinga, Swastika, and Shri Yantra at its entrance. Thereby, proving its identity as a sacred place for Hindu worshipers.
According to the Hindu Seva Parishad, the stepwell was subtly encroached upon over the years, leading to the construction of a shrine and ultimately, a mausoleum or dargah within its premises.
Hindu activists in Jabalpur have voiced their frustration over this attempt at land grabbing. They claim that “peacefuls” have changes the appearance of the stepwell without authorization. And they term these changes as an insidious attempt to erase the site’s Hindu heritage. A video captured by Hindu Seva Parishad documents the presence of these Hindu symbols. The video also showcased how green paint and paraphernalia associated with the Islamic faith were added to the site.
Protests Erupt In Jabalpur Over ‘Land Jihad’ Claims
Tensions reached a peak on 9th November 2024, when activists from the Hindu Seva Parishad staged a demonstration outside the Police Control Room at Ghantaghar. Led by district chief Atul Jaiswani, the group demanded that local authorities intervene within thirty days. They want all the alterations removed and the stepwell to be returned to its original state.
Hindu Seva Parishad warned that if the issue remained unresolved, they would take matters into their own hands, repainting the stepwell saffron in defiance.
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
Hindus Tej Jago 🚩
Muslims के आग्रह और मन्दिर समिति की परमिशन पर पर मुसलमानों ने
Gayatri Mandir की भूमि अपने कार्यक्रम के उपयोग के लिए ली।
Abolish Waqf Act
Stop Land Jihad #MadhyaPradesh #MPPolice pic.twitter.com/J8mEAqdJWS— हिंदू ,सतीश चन्द्र#हर हर महादेव (@AvasthiCandra) September 28, 2024
This incident is not an isolated one. A few weeks ago, activists from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal rallied against a 3,000-square-foot mosque. This mosque is allegedly constructed on land originally associated with the Gayatri Bal Mandir. Hindu activists presented documentation claiming the mosque was illicitly occupying temple property. Moreover, they condemned local authorities for providing utility connections, enabling large “peaceful” gatherings at the illegally occupied site.
The Story Of Bharat – Sacred Sites Under Siege
Badshah Halwai Temple and its stepwell are under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Department. Thus, these renowned places of historic and religious importance are under “peaceful” attack. However, as Hindu groups’ videos and investogations show, these sites along with many others across the region, are being systematically turned “peaceful.” They are being turned into “peaceful” religious sites to ensure that any unfavorable government action has to take into account “peaceful” sentiments.
The conversion of the stepwell is not only an attempt to usurp sacred land but to erase its Hindu identity altogether.
Currently, the issue is of both local and national importance as WAQF Ammendement Bill 2024 is under discussion. The Hindu Seva Parishad and other Hindu groups are demanding immediate action by authorities. They are rallying to protect Jabalpur’s historic and religious legacy. Additionally, these groups want to prevent “Land Jihad” of Hindu places of importance via encroachment and land grabbing. Hence, until the WAQF board is toothless, such acts of lan grabbing by agents of “peace” shall continue to plague Sanatanis and their places of worship!