Amnesty reports targeted bulldozing of Muslim properties in BJP-ruled states
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Human rights organization Amnesty International has highlighted the acute disregard for the human rights of Muslims in BJP-governed states in India, where properties also become targets of punitive action, alongside physical torture, for standing against the injustices and discriminatory approach of the BJP governments.
Amnesty International has released two reports highlighting punitive demolitions targeting primarily Muslim communities in several states across India.
The reports, titled “If you speak up, your house will be demolished’: Bulldozer Injustice in India” and “Unearthing Accountability: JCB’s Role and Responsibility in Bulldozer Injustice in India,” shed light on a series of demolitions carried out between April and June 2022.
According to the reports, authorities in four BJP-ruled states and one Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-governed state engaged in what Amnesty International describes as "extrajudicial and collective and arbitrary punishment and retaliation against Muslims speaking against injustices and discrimination they were facing." The states involved include Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh, under BJP rule, reported the highest number of demolitions at 56, followed by 36 in Gujarat, 25 in AAP-ruled Delhi, eight in Assam, and three in Uttar Pradesh.
Amnesty International alleges that these demolitions were carried out without following due process safeguards, such as prior consultation, adequate notice, or offering alternative resettlement opportunities to the affected parties.
The organization's investigations into 63 of the 128 demolitions included interviews with residents of the affected structures, legal experts, and journalists. The reports highlight instances where protests by Muslim communities and clashes with law enforcement preceded the demolitions.
One particularly notable case mentioned in the reports involves Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath reportedly threatening to continue bulldozing properties of "criminals and mafia" after protests in Prayagraj turned violent. The house of activist Javed Mohammed, who organized some of the protests, was demolished, and he was arrested for participating in violent protests against disparaging remarks made by BJP spokespersons about Prophet Muhammad.
Amnesty International condemned these demolitions as unlawful and discriminatory, alleging that they violate international human rights law and India's obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The organization also raised concerns about the lack of accountability and widespread impunity surrounding these actions.
Furthermore, the reports highlight instances of police brutality against Muslim individuals who questioned the demolitions, leading to further violations of their human rights enshrined in the Constitution and international law.
The release of these reports has sparked renewed scrutiny and calls for immediate action from Indian authorities. Amnesty International has urged the Indian government to halt its alleged discriminatory policy of using demolition drives to target Muslim communities and to ensure accountability for those responsible for human rights violations.
