Contradictory statements from officials over demolition drive in communal violence hit Haryana

Gurgaon: Amid the communal tension in Haryana’s Nuh, the authorities continued to raze the dwellings of people whom the district administration alleged were involved in the violence. The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ashwani Kumar undertook the operation on Saturday morning, tearing down houses and shops owned by local residents.

The district administration’s claim that the residences and shops that had been bulldozed were connectviolence-hited to people involved in the violence is contradictory to statements made by other officials who said the demolition drive has nothing to do with the violence but with clearing illegal encroachments on government lands.

The demolitions came in the wake of a series of clashes that initially erupted during the Braj Mandal religious yatra organized by the VHP and the Bajrang Dal on July 31. The violence, which resulted in six deaths and widespread unrest. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij declared that 202 individuals had been arrested and 80 detained preventively in connection with the clashes, which were described as "pre-planned."

The recent demolitions were concentrated around Nalhar Medical College, where more than 45 illegal structures were razed, including around 13-15 temporary constructions. SDM Ashwani Kumar revealed that the action was carried out under the direction of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who aimed to address the issue of illegal encroachments on forest and municipal land.

"These structures were occupying approximately 2.5 acres of land, all of which was determined to be illegal construction. Notably, some of the owners of these structures were found to have had direct involvement in the communal violence related to the Brajmandal religious yatra," explained Kumar during a press briefing.

The district administration maintained that notices had been issued to the owners of the targeted structures prior to the demolitions, though some local residents disputed this claim. Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the demolitions, authorities remain resolute in their determination to restore order and eliminate encroachments on public land.

As the situation evolves, further demolitions are anticipated, with plans to extend the operation from Adbar Chowk to Tiranga Chowk.