Jaipur, Aug 28: The Shia community here Monday took out a registered procession marking the 40th day of Muharram, an occasion commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. The procession, which started from the Shia Qaumi Imambara in Pannigaran Mohalla, proceeded peacefully towards Karbala via Subhash Chowk, as it has done for many years, with full cooperation of the police administration.
However, the procession was marred by an incident at Zorawar Singh Gate, where BJP MLA from Hawamahal, Balmukund Acharya, allegedly misbehaved with the participants. According to Shia community media secretary Rahbar Raza Zaidi, Acharya arrived at the scene, exited his vehicle, and began hurling abuses at the procession and its participants, including the sacred Alam.
Despite the provocation, the procession continued peacefully under the supervision of the police, with the Shia community emphasizing their commitment to maintaining harmony, especially given the concurrent Janmashtami celebrations. The community refrained from reacting, ensuring that the procession reached its destination at Karbala without incident.
The incident has sparked outrage among the Shia community in Jaipur, who have demanded swift action against MLA Acharya. A formal complaint has been lodged at Brahmapuri police station, urging authorities to register an FIR against the MLA. The Shia community highlighted that the procession, which has been a part of Jaipur’s heritage since before Independence, is legally registered and has always been conducted with respect and reverence.
Community leaders expressed deep concern over the MLA’s actions, stating that such behavior not only disrespects religious sentiments but also threatens to disrupt the social fabric of the city. They emphasized that processions held in honor of Imam Hussain are respected by both Muslims and Hindus across the country, and any attempt to incite communal discord is unacceptable.
The Welfare Party of India’s state president, Waqar Ahmed Khan, condemned the incident, stressing that the MLA’s actions were a deliberate attempt to provoke communal tension. He called on the Rajasthan government to take stringent action against Acharya to prevent such incidents in the future and to uphold the constitutional principles of peace and harmony.
The All India Shia Personal Law Board also expressed its displeasure and demanded that the government take strict action against the MLA to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
