Amravati Violence: Muslims Form Human Chain, Save Temple From Rioters

Amid clashes, some Muslims formed a human chain to protect an over 100-year-old temple from rioters.

Muslims formed a human chain to save a temple

(Photo: The Quint/Nitish Raut)

Maharashtra's Amravati has been tense since 12 November, when protests took a violent turn in many parts of the city. Stones were pelted, several shops were ransacked. Amid communal violence, the Muslim youth of Habib Nagar, displayed harmony and brotherhood, by protecting a temple from being attacked.

During protests, which turned violent, some protesters reportedly started pelting stones at an old temple in Habib Nagar. The Muslim youth immediately formed a human chain to safeguard the temple. They not just guarded the temple during the riots, but also for days after the situation was brought under control. Speaking to The Quint, Hafiz Naseem, a resident of Habib Nagar said that it was their duty to protect the temple.

"When riots broke out, we spotted a mob approaching the temple. We formed a human chain to save the temple. We considered it our duty to save the temple from rioters. We stayed up nights to ensure no harm was done to it."

Shakeel Ahmed, Resident, Habib Nagar

'Our Muslim Brothers Have Saved the temple in the Past Too'

The temple in Muslim-dominated area of Habib Nagar is over hundred years old and the Hindus don't stay very close to the temple. Speaking to The Quint, Naresh Sharma, a resident of Habib Nagar, said that the Muslim youth have saved the temple in the past too.

"We Hindus don't stay very close to the temple. The area has seen riots and violence in the past too. But our Muslim brothers have safeguarded the temple every time. Even after the Babri masjid demolition, despite outrage, they did not let anyone harm our temple."

Naresh Sharma, Resident of Habib Nagar