Hyderabad: Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, who identifies as a descendant of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, has appealed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ensure the protection of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra. The request follows unrest in Nagpur, where Hindu right-wing groups and political figures led a rally demanding the removal of the tomb, which is located in Kuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

Prince Yakub, residing in Shamshabad, Telangana, claims to be the caretaker of the Waqf property housing the Mughal Emperor’s tomb. According to him, the site has been classified as a ‘Monument of National Importance’ and is safeguarded under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. He emphasized that unauthorized activities at or near the monument would be illegal and punishable.

In his letter to the UN Secretary-General, Prince Yakub highlighted concerns over the influence of films, media, and social platforms in manipulating public sentiment, leading to protests and symbolic acts of aggression. He called for the deployment of Indian forces to ensure the tomb’s protection.

The letter also referenced international obligations to preserve cultural heritage, citing India’s commitment to the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972. Prince Yakub urged the UN to direct the Indian government to provide legal protection and security for Aurangzeb’s tomb according to national and international laws.