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A new controversy has heated up regarding a religious place in Malihabad, Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The Pasi community has made a historical claim saying that the site of the present mosque in Malihabad was in ancient times a part of the grand fort of their ancestor ‘Maharaja Kansa Pasi’. The society says that this entire place is linked to their deep faith, glorious history and cultural heritage, where traditional worship was performed by their ancestors centuries ago. Regarding this issue, youth leader of Pasi community and Chief of Lakhan Army, Suraj Pasi, has sent an official letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in which the demand for historical investigation of this site and its revival has been raised.
Letter written to CM Yogi: Demand for ASI survey and investigation of old revenue records
Lakhan Army chief Suraj Pasi has cited local elders and public hearsay in a letter to the Chief Minister. He said that according to the local people, this place was famous as an ancient fort and a big religious place years ago. The society has demanded from the state administration and the government that a scientific survey of this disputed site should be conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and also the old government revenue records should be thoroughly examined, so that milk can be mixed with water. This dispute of Malihabad is no longer limited to just one land or religious place, but through it a new social and political consciousness is also emerging within the Pasi society.
Who is Lakhan Army Chief Suraj Pasi who is leading the movement?
Suraj Pasi, who took charge of this entire movement, considers himself not just a social worker but the digital face of the social consciousness of the new generation.
Simple Background and Conflict: Suraj Pasi was born in 1998 in a very ordinary family in Bholapur village of Bakshi Ka Talab (BKT) area of Lucknow. After the sudden demise of his father at the age of just 17, the entire responsibility of the family fell on his shoulders.
Searching History: Amidst economic hardships and struggles, Suraj started reading and researching the history of his society. He found that the Pasi dynasties had a very glorious past and many areas were ruled by their ancestors, who became socially and economically backward with time.
Organization of ‘Gen Z’ youth ‘Lakhan Army’ and its unique condition
To unite his society and give a new direction to the youth, Suraj Pasi started ‘Lakhan Ekta Mission’ on 27 February 2023, which is today known as ‘Lakhan Army’ on the ground. It is a big social organization mainly of ‘Gen Z’ i.e. today’s modern youth. The objective of this organization is not only to show ethnic solidarity, but also to promote self-respect, higher education, economic strength and social reforms within the society. The biggest USP of this organization is its drug de-addiction campaign. The first and mandatory condition for joining Lakhan Army is to be ‘completely drug free’. This organization takes a strict oath to the youth to stay away from alcohol, drugs and every kind of crime.
Digital network is spreading from UP, Bihar to Uttarakhand
In a very short time, Lakhan Army has become increasingly popular among the youth on social media and at the grassroots level. At present, its maximum impact is being seen in Uttar Pradesh, where an active and strong network has been created in about 30 districts. The organization is expanding rapidly in districts like Hardoi, Unnao, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Shahjahanpur and Pilibhit. Apart from Uttar Pradesh, Lakhan Army is also making its presence felt in neighboring states like Bihar and Uttarakhand. This organization is not limiting itself only to the Pasi community but is also continuously campaigning for the rights of tribal and other backward tribal communities, their education and connecting them with the mainstream.
Big gamechanger of UP politics: Why is Pasi community important?
Pasi community is considered a very big and decisive electoral factor in the electoral politics of Uttar Pradesh. In terms of statistics, the total Dalit (SC) population in the state is about 21 percent. Pasi community is the second largest population among the Dalit community of Uttar Pradesh after the Jatav community. According to estimates, the share of Pasi community in the total Dalit population is about 16 percent, which constitutes about 3 to 4 percent of the total population of Uttar Pradesh. In many VVIP districts of Awadh and Purvanchal like Ayodhya, Rae Bareli, Mirzapur, Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Hardoi, Bhadohi, Gonda and Pratapgarh, the number of Pasi voters is so good that they have the ability to overturn the election results of any political party.
