Gujarat Demolition Drive Raises Concerns Over Targeting of Religious Sites

Gandhinagar: The government-led demolition in Gujarat’s Dwarka district, which saw over 300 residential and religious structures razed under the claim of removing illegal encroachments, has sparked significant controversy and criticism.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the operation was carried out under a substantial police presence, leading to the destruction of 314 residential buildings, nine commercial buildings, and 12 religious structures, including the notable Hazrat Panj Peer Dargah.

The demolition activities began last Sunday, reportedly taking many locals by surprise. Although authorities claimed that prior notices had been issued, numerous residents reported receiving minimal to no warning before the demolition of their homes. The suddenness of the action left many scrambling to recover their possessions, with women and children visibly distressed as they witnessed the destruction.

The operation was marked by a significant police deployment, effectively preventing any organized resistance from the affected communities.

The move has been condemned by the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of India, Riyaz Farangipete, who criticized the use of bulldozers as a tool by the ruling government to target Muslim communities.

Critics have suggested that the demolition campaign is less about environmental concerns and more about displacing the Muslim community under the guise of protecting national security and removing encroachments.

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