Jaipur: Tensions flared in the Chardiwari area of Jaipur’s Walled City after controversial posters carrying slogans like “Pakistan Murdabad” and others were allegedly pasted outside the Jama Masjid in Johri Bazaar on Friday night. Following the unrest, an FIR was registered against BJP leader and Hawamahal MLA Balmukund Acharya, reported the New Indian Express.
The incident took place around 8:30 pm when MLA Acharya and his supporters organized a protest condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. However, during the protest, some individuals reportedly pasted offensive posters on the mosque premises, leading to anger among members of the Muslim community.
The posters, one of which read “Who says terrorism has no religion?” alongside an image of a bearded man, sparked outrage. Protests erupted near Badi Chaupad, close to Jaipur’s iconic Hawa Mahal, with counter-posters being put up and minor scuffles breaking out between groups.
Congress MLAs Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi arrived at the scene to calm the situation. Allegations also emerged that several protestors had entered the mosque without removing their shoes, further aggravating the community’s sentiments.
Senior police officials, including Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph and Additional Commissioner Rameshwar Singh, rushed to the area to manage the situation. Additional police forces were deployed to maintain order.
Protesters accused MLA Balmukund Acharya of inciting communal tensions. Responding to the unrest, the Jama Masjid Committee filed an FIR against Acharya at Manak Chowk police station. The crowd dispersed after the announcement of the FIR through the mosque loudspeakers.
Jama Masjid Secretary Zahirullah Khan explained that while they agreed with the condemnation of Pakistan, certain posters carried by Acharya’s supporters were offensive and hurt the community’s sentiments.
Speaking on the incident, MLA Rafiq Khan stated, “This was a concern for all of society, not just one community. While we stand united against terrorism, some individuals behaved irresponsibly. Legal action has been taken accordingly.”
