Dr. Abhay Kumar has shared his article highlighting concerns over the targeting of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Abhay Kumar has shared his article highlighting concerns over the targeting of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh on the pretext of offering prayers on roads. He argues that many worshippers are compelled to pray outside mosques—on stairways and, at times, on roads—because existing mosques cannot accommodate the growing number of devotees. In this context, he questions why the UP Chief Minister singles out Muslims when members of other religious communities also conduct religious activities in public spaces.
The article further notes that the shortage of mosques is a significant factor behind prayers being offered outside mosque premises. Rather than using threatening rhetoric against the minority community, Dr. Kumar suggests that the government could consider opening the many mosques currently under state control or restrictions.
He also points to the broader issue of mosques that have either been encroached upon or demolished in the name of development. Drawing a comparison with Western countries, he observes that many have established multi-faith prayer spaces where people of different religions can worship together, despite often being criticized by Hindutva groups as materialistic societies.
Dr. Kumar contends that instead of focusing on divisive rhetoric for electoral gains, political leaders should prioritize public welfare and social harmony. While such narratives may yield short-term political benefits, he warns that they can ultimately undermine national unity and cohesion.
These and related concerns are discussed in detail in Dr. Abhay Kumar’s article published in the Urdu daily Inquilab on May 26, 2026.
