Punjab and Haryana HC halts demolition drive in Haryana's Nuh
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New Delhi: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a halt to the demolition exercise in Haryana's Nuh following communal clashes in the area.
Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata asked officials concerned to stop the bulldozer action following the high court ruling.
The court has taken up the matter suo motu, a week after communal clashes in Haryana led to the death of six people and a huge loss of property, also sparking panic in Nuh and Gurugram.
Over 350 shanties and 50 cement structures were demolished in the past four days of demolition, reports NDTV. Many have fled, fearing arrests.
Several politicians have come out against the demolition drive saying that it targeted Muslims. The people whose homes were razed claimed that they were served no prior notice.
The local administration had, however, maintained that they were taking action against illegal constructions and encroachment and no individual was being targeted.
"Demolition drive against illegal construction is underway and it will continue. Action is not being taken to target anyone. Our motive is to establish peace," Khadgata said yesterday.
Also Read: Curfew relaxed for 4 hours in Haryana’s Nuh on Monday; internet ban to continue
Hyderabad MP and chief of All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Asaduddin Owaisi strongly reacted at Manohar Lal Khattar government over the demolition drive.
"Confidence Building means buildings, homes and medical shops and shanties of one community (Muslims) should be Demolished without following due process to give collective punishment. The @mlkhattar government has usurped the rights of Courts of Law Confidence is being given to people who are ideologically closer to BJP/Sangh," he had said.
The district administration has also come under fire after they stopped a four-member delegation from CPI from entering the Nuh district. The argument between the CPI leaders and the police was caught on camera.
CPI MP Binoy Viswam said, "This is the plight of the country today. The reality of the day, the Police are not allowing even us. That means that under this rule, even the freedom of movement is prohibited. Hooligans, goons and fascists can move freely," he said.
Tension continues to grip the areas affected by the communal violence. Curfew has been imposed in many areas and paramilitary forces are deployed to prevent any flare-up.
The curfew was relaxed for four hours this morning to ease the movement of the public. ATMs were also opened during the period. However, the internet ban in the area continues to remain in force.
Over 150 people have been arrested in connection with the clashes and 56 cases registered, Nuh police have said.
