In the wake of protests and violent clashes over Aurangzeb’s tomb, Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy has called on the United Nations to intervene. The tomb, located in Kuldabad, Maharashtra, is under threat, with Tucy urging the UN to ensure its protection as a monument of national importance.
BY PC Bureau
Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, who claims to be a descendant of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, has reached out to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging him to intervene and ensure the protection of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Shambhaji Nagar.
This appeal comes almost a month after violence erupted in Nagpur during a rally calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, situated in Kuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district (formerly known as Aurangabad), Maharashtra.
Prince Yakub, who also asserts his role as the Mutawalli (caretaker) of the Waqf property where the Mughal emperor’s tomb lies, highlighted that the site is recognized as a “Monument of National Importance” and is therefore protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
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“The Act stipulates that no unauthorized construction, modification, destruction, or excavation can take place near or at the protected monument, and any such actions would be considered illegal and subject to legal consequences,” the letter to the UN Secretary-General stated.
Expressing concern over the state of the tomb, Yakub called for the deployment of security personnel to safeguard the monument.
“The distortion of historical facts through films, media, and social media platforms has stirred public sentiment, leading to unnecessary protests, hate-driven campaigns, and aggressive acts such as burning effigies,” he wrote in the letter.
Yakub further reminded the UN of its role in the protection and conservation of cultural heritage, in line with international law, for the benefit of current and future generations.
He referenced India’s commitment to the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972, and added, “Any act of harm, neglect, or unlawful alteration to such monuments would constitute a violation of India’s international obligations.”
He urged the UN Secretary-General to address this issue and direct the Indian government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to ensure that the tomb of Aurangzeb receives “complete legal protection, security, and preservation” in line with both national and international laws.
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This request follows unrest in Nagpur on March 17, when certain groups demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The protest, which was fueled by rumors of a holy book being burned during the agitation, led to clashes and stone-pelting at police. Since then, 92 individuals have been arrested.
