VHP’s conference sparks fears of communal tension at Pirana

Dargah representatives request shifting of venue as conference coincides with Bakri Eid

VHP has planned to hold a conference on November 5, 6 and 7. Around 2,500 members are expected to take part in the event

Apprehending threats during the upcoming conference being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad at Pirana, the members of local the Imam Shah Baba Roja Sanstha trust, has made a request to the local authorities for shifting the venue to some other place.

VHP has planned to hold a conference at Pirana on November 5, 6 and 7 in which around 2,500 members are expected to take part.

The conference will be held at Gurukul School but the visitors will stay at the dargah, the seat of sufi saint.

Besides a high turn over of participants, it is this arrangement which is said to be the bone of contention.

Descendant of the dargah’s priest Azhar Saiyed said that the members of the trust have decided to give a fresh representation to the local authorities on November 3, suggesting that the venue of conference be shifted to some other place.

“The conference has been made to coincide with Bakri Eid which falls on November 7. A similar situation had arisen in the past which had led to communal tension,” he said.

Saiyed added that a representation which apprised the local police authorities about the event, was sent way back in June early this year.

It also mentioned that the large number of participants could lead to a communal tension in the area. However authorities did not take any steps.

“We are still hopeful that authorities will take an appropriate action,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police said that a proper assessment was being made to take necessary steps and avoid any incidents of communal violence.