Religious leaders from Ayodhya have extended support to members of the Pasi community amid a growing dispute over the Kasmandi site in Malihabad, Lucknow district, where the community claims the area — currently identified as a mosque and graveyard — was historically part of an ancient fort linked to Raja Kans and once housed a Shiva temple. The seers have backed calls for a formal government enquiry into the site's historical and legal status.

The Community's Claim

Sections of the Pasi community allege that the Kasmandi site was originally part of an old fort associated with Raja Kans, and that a Shiva temple once stood within the complex. To support their claim, community representatives have cited references from English gazetteers and local oral histories. They have reportedly urged the Uttar Pradesh government to order a detailed enquiry into the site's historical status.

The dispute has drawn attention from local community groups and political observers across the region, adding to a broader pattern of heritage-identity claims that have surfaced at multiple sites in Uttar Pradesh in recent years.

What Ayodhya's Seers Said

Sitaram Das, associated with Saket Bhavan Temple in Ayodhya, said: 'This incident in Lucknow and Malihabad reflects the awareness of the Pasi community. One should always remain alert to protect their heritage, culture, and national heritage. Due to certain issues in previous governments, people were not as aware as they are today. Now they have become more conscious and alert, and I express my gratitude for that.'

Paramhans Acharya, Peethadheeshwar of Tapasvi Chhawani, stated: 'The Pasi community has demanded its rights. They have raised their voice for their rights because India's culture is rooted in Vedic traditions of the Vedas and Puranas, which existed long before the emergence of Islam. The Pasi community's demands have support from the sant community. We are fully committed — physically, mentally, and financially — to supporting the Pasi community. Their demands are being seen as important for the entire country.'

Jyotishacharya Rakesh Tripathi of Jyotish Bhawan, Ayodhya, added: 'Lucknow is associated with the Pasi community, as there were several Pasi kings in history. This is also believed to be a Pasi fort, and many remains of the fort still exist. Therefore, no religious activity such as namaz, puja, or any other ritual should be held on someone's private property without permission.'

Official Response and Current Status

Authorities in Lucknow have not yet issued a detailed statement on the community's claims. No formal enquiry has been announced by the Uttar Pradesh government as of 25 May. Community leaders continue to press for an official investigation into the historical and legal status of the site.

Broader Context

The Pasi community is a historically significant Scheduled Caste group in Uttar Pradesh, with documented associations to several forts and territorial holdings in the Lucknow region. This is not the first time heritage claims tied to pre-Islamic structures have sparked public debate in the state. The involvement of Ayodhya's religious figures lends the dispute a wider symbolic weight, coming months after the consecration of the Ram Mandir intensified focus on religious and cultural heritage across the region.

Whether the state government will order an archaeological or administrative enquiry into the Kasmandi site remains the central question going forward.