Srinagar: Authorities clamped down on mobile internet services in the restive Bhaderwah area of Doda district in Jammu on Saturday (April 5) where a shutdown is being observed amid simmering communal tensions over a Hindutva leader’s ‘objectionable’ social media post, which has angered the Muslim community.

Senior superintendent of police, Doda, Sandeep Mehta said that the mobile internet was “slowed down” to prevent rumour mongering and breakdown of law and order in the aftermath of the tensions that broke out in the communally-sensitive town of Chenab valley on the evening of April 4.

“A case has been already filed in the matter. Mobile internet has been slowed down as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident,” SSP Mehta said, adding that a manhunt has been launched to nab the accused.

Varinder Razdan. Photo: By arrangement.

Restrictions were imposed on internet after Varinder Razdan who is head of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah, a saffron outfit, uploaded an ‘objectionable’ video clip – popular as Reels – on Facebook on Friday (April 4).

A source said that Razdan is a pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The Wire couldn’t independently verify this claim.

Titled “72 ki jagah 36 hoorun se kaam chalalenge (I will make do with 36 virgins instead of 72)” with a ‘laughter’ emoji at the end, the Reel shows an old and frail-looking Muslim man struggling to prostrate himself during a congregational prayer inside a mosque.

Instead of bowing his head on the ground like other worshippers, the video shows the old man hunching on his knees. Islamic rituals allow a Muslim to offer prayers by merely using gestures instead of physical movement if they are incapable.

‘Elements poisoning atmosphere’

Witnesses and reports said that the post went viral in Bhaderwah and adjoining areas, prompting some social and religious activists from the Muslim community under the banner of Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhaderwah (AIB) to hold a protest against Razdan on Friday evening.

Shouting slogans like ‘Islam kay gustakhon ko, phansi do phansi do (Hang the disparagers of Islam)’ and ‘Hum ghulam hum ghulam, hum Mohammad kay ghulam (We are the slaves of Prophet Mohammad)’ the protesters called on the administration and police to arrest Razdan.

The protest, which started from Jamia Masjid Bhaderwah after evening prayers, culminated outside the Bhaderwah police station where the protesters continued sloganeering while demanding strict action against the accused.

AIB president Riyaz Ahmed said that attempts were being made to fan communal tensions in Bhaderwah, “We don’t have anything against our Hindu brothers. We have been living in communal harmony but these elements are poisoning the atmosphere for cheap fame,” he said, adding that Razdan should be booked under the Public Safety Act.

‘There will be protests from other sides also’

A resident of Bhaderwah, wishing anonymity, alleged that Razdan was a “known hate-monger”. “In 2020, he made derogatory remarks against Muslim women and when confronted he claimed in a ‘clarification video’ that his account was hacked. He deserves to be behind bars. Why haven’t the police arrested him so far,” he said.

As the situation escalated on Friday evening, a defiant Razdan appeared live on Facebook, alleging that the protest was a result of frustration among the Muslims in Bhaderwah due to the passage of the Waqf bill in both houses of the parliament.

“If you can stage a protest, there will be protests from other sides also. I am telling the people in the administration, police and others – don’t make attempts to vitiate the situation on petty issues. I don’t know who created the video. I have only shared it,” he said.

Razdan added. “There is nothing against the Muslims in the video. It was against the traitors, pimps and hooligans of the Samajwadi (party). If you (Muslims) want to disturb the situation, go ahead. There will be protests from the Hindus also. Even if I have to lay down my life or go to jail, I am not going to back down”.

He claimed in the video that the Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh and SSP Mehta reached out to him on Friday evening after which he had deleted the post. Locals alleged that Razdan had ‘close connection’ with a senior BJP leader from J&K.

Curfew like situation prevailed in Bhaderwah on Saturday (April 5) with internet restrictions causing hardships to people while the authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Bhadewah is located in the communally sensitive district of Doda which has a mixed population of Hindus and Muslims. Doda is also the home district of former senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

In 2022, curfew was clamped in Bhaderwah town and the adjoining Kishtwar district following communal tensions which broke out against the use of offensive language by some people of the two communities.