Nagpur, a city that is famed for the peaceful existence of its people, is now under curfew after violent confrontations over Aurangzeb’s mausoleum. On 17th March, what started as a demonstration by right-wing groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal turned violent, injuring at least nine individuals and destroying many vehicles and houses. The outburst of violence represents another case where tensions rooted in history and culture have spilt onto the streets.
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The Source of the Protests
The source of the protests lies in the call to remove the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Maharashtra’s Khuldabad. Right-wing organisations claim that the tomb is a symbol of centuries of oppression and a reminder of India’s colonial history under the Mughal Empire. The call to have it removed is cast in terms of reclaiming cultural pride and ridding themselves of painful reminders of history.
However, what made the protests turn violent was a rumour that spread far and wide that the Quran was being burned during the protests. The rumour, while unsubstantiated, was picked up quickly, and it prompted outrage among the Muslims.
Authorities Respond
The authorities moved rapidly, sending in police officers, Quick Response Units and State Reserve Police personnel to quell the violence. Tear gas was employed to clear the crowd while mobs burned vehicles and pelted law enforcers with stones.
Political Reactions
Political leaders have called for peace. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured citizens that the situation is under control and asked people not to listen to rumours. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace, assuring that the government would take firm action against the culprits.
Interestingly, the opposition blamed the incumbent ruling party for not ensuring law and order. They are criticizing that knowing about the protests, preventive action was weak. This incident has again brought to light how political groups tend to play on communal tensions to suit their ends.
Read More: Muslims Molested Country-Wide During Holi: Is India Truly Secular?
The Road Ahead
Even if the violence is contained, for now, the matter of Aurangzeb’s tomb remains unsolved. The conflict of ideologies is still festering, with political parties on either side issuing statements for and against its removal.
On a wider scale, the episode puts the question on everybody’s mind as to how monuments and history are being politicised and mobilised as a political tool.
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