After protests, permission denied to celebrate 'Urus Sharif' at ASI-protected Lohagad fort; Section 144 imposed
As per the ASI rule, "No religious rituals can be conducted at non-living monuments where there has been no continuity of worship when it became an ASI-protected site."
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Lonavala, January 06: After the massive protest of the Hindu organisation, the Maharashtra government has denied permission to the Urs of Haji Hazrat Baba Umarshahwali at the historic Lohagad Fort, located near Lonavala hill station in Maval taluka of Pune district.
Following the decision of the state government, the Maharashtra police deployed the police force and also imposed section 144 at Lohgad till the evening of January 8.
It should be noted that Lohagad Fort is a monument of historical importance and has been under the care and protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1909. As per the ASI rule, "No religious rituals can be conducted at non-living monuments where there has been no continuity of worship when it became an ASI-protected site."
How is Urus being celebrated by 'Haji Hasrat Umarshahwali Baba Rahe 'Trust when Lohgad is a protected monument and religious activities are banned on the fort? Who gave us permission to celebrate their festivals on our forts?#SaveForts_OpposeLandJihad#Mazar_jihad pic.twitter.com/vfQHfk3Ar1
— Sonali Deokar (@Sonali09718632) January 16, 2022
In a press statement issued on Wednesday night, the Pune Rural Police said, “Lohagad Fort is a monument of historical importance and has been under the care and protection of the ASI since 1909. A Urs of Haji Hazrat Baba Umarshahwali was intended to take place on the premises of the fort, which has been opposed by groups of followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Hindutva organisations. To ensure that no law and order situation arises at the fort, the ASI has sought police deployment on the premises.”
“To avoid any law and order situation on Lohagad Fort premises, prohibitory orders under Criminal Procedure Code section 144 have been issued by the Sub Divisional Officer of the Maval Division. Pune Rural Police has deployed an adequate police force. Superintendent of Police Ankit Goyal has said appropriate legal action will be taken against those found in violation of the orders,” the press statement said.
The descendants of Islamic dacoits have embarked on a mission to take control of the forts of Chh.Shivaji Maharaj by celebrating "Urus"of some fictional characters on various forts in Maharashtra. Few days ago it was raigad now it is lohgad near Pune.
— Malhar Pandey (@malhar_pandey) January 10, 2022
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At this point, it should be highlighted that this is not the first time that Ur's celebration of ‘Urus Sharif’ has been held at the fort. Some social media users indicate that a similar kind of incident was held in Raigad in 2021.