Selective Demolition in Chhattisgarh Spurs Allegations of Bias

Raipur: A demolition initiative in Ambikapur, within the BJP-governed state of Chhattisgarh, has left 60 Muslim families without homes, igniting allegations of discriminatory practices.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the forest department conducted the demolitions citing “illegal encroachment” as the rationale. However, the move has sparked criticism for allegedly targeting Muslim homes while leaving nearby properties belonging to other communities intact.

Local leader Ghulam Mustafa voiced his disapproval, asserting that only Muslim houses were affected out of the total 200 residences on the forest land. He described the operation as “targeted discrimination” rather than an effort toward conservation. The affected families reportedly received notices with little time to respond, and legal attempts to halt the demolitions were unsuccessful.

The Muslim-majority section was specifically targeted, while other community homes on the same land were not disturbed. Critics, including Congress leader Shafi Ahmed, have labeled the operation as “selective harassment.”

The allegations of bias are not unprecedented. In 2017, the same community faced accusations of being “Rohingyas,” despite no evidence supporting claims of illegal immigration, exacerbating tensions.

Community leaders are now calling for a thorough investigation into the perceived discrimination and are urging for prompt government action to resolve what they describe as a humanitarian crisis. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Ahmed emphasized.

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