BHADERWAH, April 5 — A Right wing Hindu religious group leader’s inflammatory post on social media triggered communal tension in Chenab valley’s Bhaderwah town with authorities suspending mobile internet services in the region.
Varinder Razdan, head of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah, posted a video on Facebook mocking a Muslim man’s prayer.
Captioned “72 ki jagah 36 hoorun se kaam chalalenge” (I will make do with 36 heavenly companions instead of 72) and ending with a laughing emoji, the clip shows an elderly Muslim man struggling to bow during congregational prayers. Islamic teachings, however, allow gesture-based prayers for those physically unable to prostrate.
The video quickly circulated in Bhaderwah and neighboring areas, sparking outrage within the Muslim community.
Members of Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhaderwah (AIB) staged a protest on Friday evening, marching from Jamia Masjid to the local police station while demanding Razdan’s arrest.
“Attempts are being made to disturb communal harmony in Bhaderwah,” AIB president Riyaz Ahmed said.
“We have always lived peacefully with our Hindu brothers, but these actions are meant to poison that unity. Razdan should be booked under the Public Safety Act.”
Protesters raised slogans such as “Islam kay gustakhon ko, phansi do” (Hang those who insult Islam) and “Hum Mohammad kay ghulam” (We are the followers of Prophet Mohammad PBUH) during the demonstration.
Authorities responded by slowing down mobile internet to prevent rumor-mongering and maintain order.
“A case has already been registered. Internet services were slowed down as a precautionary measure,” Senior Superintendent of Police Doda, Sandeep Mehta, said.
He added that a manhunt has been launched to trace the accused.
Although unverified, a local source claimed Razdan is a pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
By Saturday, a curfew-like atmosphere gripped Bhaderwah, with residents reporting inconvenience due to restricted connectivity.