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Ahmedabad: Indian authorities have demolished thirty-six structures, including mosques, shrines, and a graveyard, in the BJP-led Gujarat state of India.
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the demolitions took place in the Bet Dwarka area, where the administration had declared the buildings illegal, labeling them as encroachments on public land. However, critics state that these actions are aimed at erasing the Muslim community, its culture, and heritage from the region.
The demolition followed the dismissal of a petition filed by the Bet Bhadila Muslim Jamaat Trust in the Gujarat High Court. The petition sought to establish that these religious buildings were the property of the Waqf Board, a body that oversees Muslim religious properties. The court, however, rejected the petition, allowing the administration to proceed with the demolition.
“The buildings in question are of great emotional significance to the local Muslim community,” the petition stated, describing the structures as integral to the faith and identity of the people. “The notices issued for their removal were illegal and unjustified,” the petition read.
The demolition has sparked widespread protests and unrest in the region, with many Muslims voicing their concerns over the destruction of their religious sites. “These are not just buildings; they are part of our heritage, our history, and our hearts,” said Imran Sheikh, a local and member of the Muslim community in Bet Dwarka. “The government’s actions have caused immense distress and disappointment.”
Critics argue that the removal of religious sites without providing alternative solutions for the affected communities is an act of injustice. “This is a violation of our rights to practice our religion freely,” said Bilal Khan, another resident. “We urge the government to respect our heritage and reconsider their actions.”
As protests continue in the region, the demolition of these sacred sites has sparked a broader debate about religious freedom, heritage preservation, and the balance between urban development and minority rights in Gujarat.
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