A concerning situation has emerged from Nepal's Mahottari district, where Hindu organisations allege a coordinated effort to seize the land of a historic temple. These groups claim that "Rohingya, Bangladeshi, and illegal Muslim immigrants from other countries have hatched a conspiracy to grab the land of an ancient temple." The land in question belongs to the Laxminarayan Math, also known locally as Mathihani Math. This temple is not just a place of worship but a significant cultural landmark, reputed to be the largest monastery in Nepal and boasting a history that spans hundreds of years.

The allegations suggest that these illegal immigrants, including "Rohingya, Bangladeshi, and Muslim immigrants from India," have been attempting to take over the temple's land for a considerable time. Their strategy reportedly involved setting up a temporary slum on the temple grounds. This slum was later mysteriously set on fire, an act believed to be part of the plot to claim the land. Following the fire, the immigrants allegedly began constructing permanent structures on the site. This move was supported by various Islamic organisations both within Nepal and from abroad, who provided financial aid for these constructions.

The actions prompted a strong response from Hindu organisations. Their protests led to the Nepali administration stepping in to halt any further construction on the disputed land. The authorities' intervention was a critical step in addressing the growing tensions and preventing further escalation.

Rajesh Yadav, President of the Hindu Samrat Sena Nepal, has voiced concerns about the situation. He highlighted that Mathihani Math is a significant center of faith for Hindus not only in Mahottari but also in the entire border districts of Nepal and India. Yadav emphasized that "Mathihani Math is the main center of faith for Hindus not only in Mahottari but also in the entire border districts of Nepal and India." The temple complex is vast, spanning thousands of square meters. It houses a Gurukul where hundreds of students from around the world receive education in Sanskrit and the Sanatan way of life. Yadav pointed out that "the first Gurukul in Nepal was established within this monastery." In addition to the educational facilities, the temple complex also includes a Gaushala. Every year, millions of Hindus participate in the parikrama (circumambulation) and festivities held at this historic site.

Rajesh Yadav shared with OpIndia that around 20% of the population in the Mathihani Municipality of Mahottari is Muslim. This population has been gradually increasing due to the influx of Rohingyas, and Muslims from Bangladesh and India. He explained that about 2 years ago, temporary structures were erected by Muslim infiltrators on the vacant land of the temple. Initially, a few Muslim families started living here by setting up tents. However, within just 2 years, around 80 Muslim families had settled in this area. Yadav noted that there are 7-8 Hindu families living in this predominantly Muslim area. Local Hindu organisations view the presence of these Hindu families as a shield to disguise the alleged conspiracy by the infiltrators.

After some time, these illegal immigrants replaced the tents with makeshift huts and declared the same place as their settlement. They began activities such as scrap work, which later expanded to setting up vegetable and fruit shops. About a year ago, the temple administration issued notices to these illegal immigrants to vacate the land, but this had no effect on them. It is alleged that some political parties have also provided protection to these infiltrators. Additionally, incidents like theft and robbery have increased in this area.

Rajesh Yadav further stated that in April 2024, a suspicious fire broke out in the slum area. "All 80 huts were engulfed in flames, reducing to ashes. There were no casualties reported." The fire, which reportedly started in the house of a Muslim family boiling an egg, quickly spread across the entire settlement. However, various Hindu organisations, including the Hindu Samrat Sena, claim that the incident was a conspiracy. Following the incident, "all Muslims started saying in unison that their identification documents and government papers were burnt in the fire."

The situation has become more complicated with these developments. The replacement of tents with huts and the establishment of shops indicate a more permanent settlement by the immigrants. The notices from the temple administration have been ignored, and political protection for the settlers has been alleged. This adds another layer to the tension in the area.

(Names of Muslim ‘victims’ whose houses were burnt in the fire incident)

The fire incident in April 2024 raised further suspicions. The rapid spread of the fire and the complete destruction of all huts without any casualties are seen by some as suspicious. The immediate claims by the affected families that their identification documents were lost in the fire have added to the controversy. These developments have led to increased scrutiny and calls for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind these events.

It is alleged that this is a conspiracy to prove Rohingya, Bangladeshi, and other Muslim infiltrators as Nepali citizens. Soon after the incident, Muslim organizations from Nepal and other countries began rallying behind this settlement.

On social media, the Muslim settlers were portrayed as helpless and vulnerable, and appeals were issued to help them. The first demand for this aid was to provide permanent homes for over 80 families. Some Nepali parties initiated efforts to convey this demand to the government, with leftist parties taking a lead role.

Within a few days, crores of rupees were collected to support these settlers. Crowds began gathering for donations on the temple land as well. The main items donated included clothes, rations, and other essentials.

Many Muslim groups in Nepal started organizing rallies from village to village. In these rallies, the banner demanding permanent homes for all Muslims affected by the fire on the temple land was prominently displayed. Upon seeing the signs of permanent construction, the temple management issued appeals to the Nepali administration to save their land. However, their appeal had no effect on the Nepali administration.

This sequence of events highlights the ongoing struggle over the land of Mathihani Math. The portrayal of the settlers as victims on social media and the subsequent fundraising efforts have added to the complexity of the situation. The involvement of political parties and the organized rallies further illustrate the tension and the various interests at play. Despite the temple management's efforts to reclaim the land, the administration has yet to respond to their appeals. This issue remains unresolved, with both sides continuing to assert their claims and mobilize support.

Finally, Hindu organisations intervened in this matter. Since May 2024, several groups, including the Hindu Samrat Sena, launched grassroots campaigns against this encroachment in villages and cities.

People were also alerted about the possible conspiracy on social media. The Nepali government and local administration were also warned through memorandums that if the temple land was encroached upon, there would be protests. Seeing the increasing tension on both sides, the administration became vigilant.

It is said that in the first week of May, the Nepali administration initiated an investigation into this dispute. Until the investigation report is released, all types of construction, temporary or permanent, have been halted.

Police patrols on the temple land have been increased. Despite administrative strictness, the Muslim side is not willing to vacate the land of the monastery. Still, some individuals from the Muslim community are clandestinely carrying out temporary constructions on that land. The Muslim community is being led by Kaleem Ansari, who is the President of Ward Number 6 of Mathihani Municipality.

This intervention by Hindu organisations has brought significant attention to the dispute. The campaigns in villages and cities, along with the social media alerts, have mobilized a large number of people against the alleged encroachment. The memorandums to the government highlighted the potential for protests, which has prompted the administration to act.

The investigation initiated by the Nepali administration marks a critical step towards resolving the dispute. The halt on all types of construction is intended to maintain the status quo until the investigation is complete. Increased police patrols aim to enforce this halt and prevent any further unauthorized activities on the temple land.

Despite these measures, the situation remains tense. The refusal of the Muslim community to vacate the land and their continued clandestine construction activities under the leadership of Kaleem Ansari underscore the ongoing challenges.

The list of those affected by the fire includes 7-8 houses of Hindus as well. Rajesh Yadav told OpIndia that "this handful of Hindu families are themselves being victimised by the Muslims." Additionally, they are willing to cooperate with the Nepali administration in every way.

These Hindu families, despite being victimized, are showing willingness to cooperate fully with the Nepali administration. Their cooperation could play a crucial role in resolving the issue, contrasting with the ongoing resistance from some members of the Muslim community who continue to carry out temporary constructions despite the halt imposed by the administration.

In summary, the situation in Mahottari district remains tense. The affected Hindu families are willing to work with the authorities, but the clandestine construction activities by some Muslims persist. The administration's continued vigilance and the cooperation of all parties will be essential to resolve this dispute and maintain peace in the region.