Indian authorities in Gujarat’s Kutch district demolished three mosques, several shrines, and approximately 30 structures in an eviction drive, sparking widespread alarm among local residents.
Indian media reported the demolitions on Wednesday (July 1). Local residents and Muslim organizations alleged the operation was carried out without prior notice or any legal process.
A delegation from Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind visited the affected area after the incident. Delegation leader Maulana Hakimuddin Qasimi said the administration provided no clear explanation despite repeated inquiries.
He alleged that when mosque authorities arrived at the site, police removed them, and several protesters were detained.
According to the organization, the demolished structures included 11 religious sites, 17 commercial establishments, and two residential buildings. At least 25 youths were arrested and jailed for protesting the demolitions, it said.
Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind said the Juna Kandla mosque had been registered in waqf records since 1965. The organization said any action against a waqf-registered religious structure must follow the law, due process, and constitutional provisions.
A Gujarat media report said the eviction was carried out under the direction of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi as part of a drive to clear government land of encroachments. The administration said the demolished structures were illegal constructions on government land. However, analysts said the operation’s real aim was to displace Muslims.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report