Tourists barred from Bhojshala complex till ASI survey is over

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MHOW: The

Archeological Survey

of India (ASI) on Saturday barred entry of tourists to the disputed Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex in MP’s

Dhar district

until the high court-ordered survey is over.
Preparations for carbon dating began as the scientific survey entered its second day. This time representatives of both Hindu and Muslim sides accompanied the five-member expert committee and other ASI officials.
Amid heavy police deployment, the ASI team entered the

Bhojshala complex

at 8am on Saturday.

Unlike on the opening day, the petitioner on behalf of Kamal Maulana Welfare Society and Dhar Muslim community, Sadar Abdul Samad Khan, also participated in the survey. Representatives of the Hindu side, Ashish Goyal and Gopal Sharma, along with ASI’s counsel Himanshu Joshi were also inside the premises during the survey.
The ASI team took some machines and other equipment into the compound on Saturday. A large number of Dhar residents and media representatives stood beyond the police barricades as the survey went on.

Labourers, under the guidance of ASI officers, started clearing the land towards the rear of the Bhojshala. Mud and garbage was removed. Thereafter, three points were earmarked near the rear wall where the workers removed mud up to six inches in depth.
Preparations for carbon dating began at those points and the officials were seen clicking pictures of the exposed portions and collecting samples. Carbon dating of the carvings on pillars and walls was also carried out and the officers were seen using some machines for estimations.

The ASI team didn’t come out even for lunch (food was sent for them into the complex), and it was 6pm when they finally stepped out.
At the barricades outside, Dhar SP Manoj Kumar Singh told reporters that they are in touch with all communities in Dhar.
“Looking at the sensitivity of the matter, we have spoken with all sections of society and appealed for maintaining peace and harmony. We have received a very positive response from everyone in town. We have ensured heavy police deployment at Bhojshala and all over the town,” said the SP.
Police have divided the Bhojshala premises into four sectors. A three-layer security ring of 175 police personnel, led by an additional SP, four DSPs, and eight town inspectors, guards the complex. Sixty cameras have been installed in and around Bhojshala. In addition, cops have been deployed on all multi-storey buildings and police points have been established at 25 important road intersections.
As part of the security measures, Bhopal circle superintending archeologist Manoj Kumar Kurmi ordered that tourists will not be allowed into the complex during the period of the survey. According to sources, this was done to prevent the possibility of anti-social elements entering the sensitive site.
The order was issued on Friday but was made public on Saturday morning. Prayers and namaz will continue as per the 2003 ASI order – Hindus can worship on Tuesdays and Muslims can offer namaz on Fridays.

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