India, April 4 -- Residents of Miyanwala in Dehradun have written to the authorities opposing the renaming of their neighbourhood, saying the historical name was a symbol of their heritage, honouring their elders and ancestors. They pointed out the locality was named after the "Mian" title for a Rajput clan in Uttarakhand with no connection to Muslims or Mughals.

"Our identity has always been, and will always remain, tied to Miyanwala. ...certain politicians have attempted to change the name of our home, and are trying to divide our society. We humbly request that the name of our area not be changed. Let it remain Miyanwala," said the residents in a letter to Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal on April 2.

Mahendra Singh Butola, a...