New Delhi: Hindutva groups are exerting pressure on authorities in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, to demolish a mosque they label as “illegal” and part of “Land Jihad”.

Muslim residents firmly refute this claim, asserting they possess all necessary documentation to validate their ownership.

Members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have been active in their protests, marching towards the mosque located in the Hatai Kheda area. They have issued warnings that if the administration does not take immediate action to demolish the mosque, they will carry out the demolition themselves.

Protestors have been vocal, chanting slogans such as “Land Jihad will not be allowed”.

One protestor declared, “We will demolish the mosque at any cost. We will raze it even if the government does not allow it. Let the government do whatever it wants. They can put me behind bars or hang me,” underscoring their determination to proceed regardless of governmental opposition.

Hindutva groups in India have been known to use terms like “land jihad” and “love jihad” to rationalize their actions against Muslims and their institutions. “Land jihad” alleges that Muslims are strategically acquiring land, while “love jihad” claims that Muslim men are enticing Hindu women into conversion through marriage, both of which are unfounded.