Vellore, May 9: Protesting Archaeological Survey of India’s decision not to allow prayer inside the Nawab Mosque in the historical Vellore Fort, thousands of Muslims courted arrest here on Friday. Though police officers, including the Swift Action Group and Tamil Nadu Special Police, swarmed the area providing five-ring security to prevent the protestors’ entry into the premise, the people mobilised by the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam outnumbered the uniformed men.

However, sources said there were hectic parleys behind the scene between the state Government and TMMK leaders in the past couple of days to ensure that there was no untoward incident reported during the protest. The police had planned to arrest them even before entering the district, but did not carry it out after requests by TMMK leaders to the senior politicians, said police sources. They had reportedly given assurance that they will not enter the mosque premise by force, though the community members were mobilised stating that.

Over 5,000 people led by TMMK president M H Jawaharullah gathered near the fortand offered prayers. “We will continue our protest until we are allowed to offer prayer inside the Nawab Mosque,” said Jawaharullah. The protestors were lodged in 10 marriage halls in and around Vellore.

The demand for permission to offer prayers inside the mosque was first aired sometime back. Recently, the local civic body supported the claim and soon, TMMK, a minor state party, took an aggressive stance on the issue.

The ASI denied permission, stating that the mosque was not functional when they took over the fort’s control in 1921. Questioning the rationale behind this, TMMK leaders point to that both Jalakanteshwar temple and St John’s Church, barely 100 metres away from the mosque, have been open for prayers.

However, there are oppositions to the protest from the Muslim community itself. Many argue that the issue could be taken up legally, instead of taking to the streets that might jeopardise communal harmony.

Dravida Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam, another regional outfit, has openly criticised TMMK’s protest as a political conspiracy. Majority of the Jamaat had also taken the stand that the issue should be solved amicably instead of whipping up the passion.

Jumping into the fray, Dalit party Viduthalai Chirutikal Katchi has supported the TMMK, while Hindu Munnani, Hindu Makkal Katchi, Janata Party have criticised the TMMK.

An ASI official said the monument is protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation and Maintenance Act of 1904 will not be open to prayers.