The temporary closure of Idgah Ground in Shivamogga has ignited tensions in the communally sensitive city. The district administration’s decision to shut the premises for Ramzan celebrations triggered right-wing protests, followed by demonstrations from Muslim leaders asserting ownership.
On Wednesday, leaders of the Markaz Sunni Jamia Masjid in Gandhi Bazaar gathered outside the deputy commissioner’s office, presenting documents proving their legal ownership. Mosque committee president Munawar Pasha stated that the land is registered under the Shivamogga City Corporation (SCC) and taxes are paid by the Waqf Committee. Alleging misuse of the premises for immoral activities, he defended the erection of barricades to protect its sanctity.
He further claimed that right-wing protesters entered the property illegally, falsely declaring it public land. In response, the committee has installed CCTV cameras for surveillance.
Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Gurudatt Hegde acknowledged that the Muslim community had submitted ownership documents and assured a fair assessment with SCC and Waqf Board officials. “If the land is theirs, we have no objections,” he stated, confirming that parking would be suspended until the matter is settled.
For now, the premises will remain closed for two days as authorities deliberate on a resolution.
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