The demolition process of community infrastructure, residential buildings and houses belonging to the Muslim community has become the norm in BJP-ruled states, defying the Supreme Court's direction against demolitions without due process.
The latest reports are from Gujarat's Kutch district, where several mosques, several mazars (shrines), commercial establishments and residential houses belonging to Muslims were demolished over the last few days, allegedly without prior notices being served.
Among the demolished structures was the Juna Kandla Mosque in Gandhidham taluka, which was razed on Sunday night. According to the mosque management committee, the mosque had been registered with the Gujarat State Waqf Board since 1965.
Mohammad Samar, president of the committee, alleged that the mosque was demolished without any prior notice and that committee members were prevented from reaching the site after learning of the operation.
A fact-finding delegation of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH), led by its secretary Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, visited the affected localities on Monday and met residents, mosque committee members and community representatives. The delegation also consulted legal experts to explore possible legal remedies, according to Maktoob Media.
Abdul Hasan, associated with the JUH, said the organisation had been unable to obtain a clear explanation from the district administration regarding the demolition of the religious structures. According to the delegation's preliminary findings, around 30 structures have been demolished, including 11 religious sites, 17 commercial establishments and two residential houses. The religious structures reportedly included three mosques and several mazars.
The JUH also alleged that 25 Muslim youths protesting against the demolitions in Nana Varnora village were arrested and sent to jail. Hasan further questioned the administration's reported justification that some demolitions were necessary because of the area's proximity to the India-Pakistan border, arguing that the affected localities are situated well away from the international boundary.
According to Gujarat First, the anti-encroachment drive was undertaken on the instructions of the Gujarat government under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi as part of the state's "Zero Tolerance" policy against illegal encroachments.
Local activist Mohsin Ali Mohammad Hingoraja alleged that nine houses and 21 shops belonging to Muslims in Nana Varnora village had already been demolished earlier this month without prior notice.
Civil rights groups, including the All-Kutch Muslim Samaj, have demanded an impartial inquiry, compensation for affected families and action against officials responsible for alleged violations of due process. They have also accused the administration of ignoring legal safeguards and continuing demolitions despite judicial intervention.