Delhi Muslims Stage Protest Demanding Dignified Burial Rights

In East Delhi’s Yamunapar area many Muslim families say they cannot bury their loved ones with respect. The only graveyard is old and turns into a swamp during the rains so prayers and burials become painful and messy. Years of requests for more land have brought little action and families now plan to seek relief from the court. The matter raises a clear test for the state under the Modi government which speaks of world class growth but fails to protect a basic right in the capital.

Ground Reality In Yamunapar

The graveyard is not fit for regular use and the problem gets worse every rainy season. People stand in mud during funeral prayers and pallbearers struggle on soft ground while water collects in open pits. There are no safe paths or lights at night and no pumps to clear water.

• Monsoon Flooding: The plot fills with dirty water and the soil sinks under foot.
• No Paths Or Lights: Broken ground and darkness make night burials unsafe.
• Missing Simple Tools: No drains pumps railings or proper entry points.
• Cost Of Distance: Poor families cannot take bodies to far away sites.

Protest And A United Ask

Residents held a peaceful protest in the Welcome area to demand land and basic works. District Congress leader Kamal Gazi joined the march and repeated the call for quick steps. Hindu neighbours stood with Muslims and said the issue was about human dignity and not about politics. Advocate Saima Parveen said she will move the court if the state does not act.

• Peaceful March: Local people gathered to demand a clean and safe burial space.
• Cross Community Support: Hindus and Muslims spoke with one voice.
• Political Backing: Kamal Gazi asked officials to act without delay.
• Legal Move: A petition is being prepared for the court.

Years Of Pleas And A Pattern Of Neglect

Residents say letters and meetings with officials have gone on for decades with little to show on the ground. New roads parks and flyovers came fast in nearby zones but burial space for a large local population did not. The delay has fed a sense of bias and turned private grief into public anger.

• Ignored Requests: Visits by officials but no lasting fix.
• Uneven Pace: Showpiece works moved while this basic need stayed stuck.
• Public Sentiment: People call it a shame that even death does not bring respect.
• Mark Of Fair Rule: Equal care for last rites is a duty not a favour.

Politics Under The Modi Government

Grand claims of growth ring hollow when a capital city cannot provide safe land for the dead of a minority community. When Muslim citizens raise a civic demand the talk is often pushed toward identity and away from service. The burial crisis shows how this style of rule fails in daily life and leaves families to carry both grief and mud.

• Claims Versus Ground: Bright slogans but weak delivery in minority belts.
• Use Of Identity: Simple civic asks are painted as communal rows.
• Equal Duty: The state must serve all citizens with the same care.
• Cost Of Delay: Each burial in mud records a public failure.

Health And Safety Risks

This is also a health issue. Stagnant water near homes can spread disease. Broken ground causes falls and injuries when mourners are already in pain. Poor lighting at night raises the risk of crime and accidents.

• Stagnant Water: Pools near houses increase sickness.
• Accident Hazard: Uneven soil and no railings lead to falls.
• Night Risk: No lights make late burials unsafe.
• Mental Strain: Grief is made worse by fear and shame.

What Planning And Law Require

A city that plans roads and parks must also plan land for the dead. A fresh survey should count current plots and the local population and then set aside new land where needed. Law allows city bodies to protect and maintain burial sites. What is missing is clear orders and a firm timeline.

• Civic Duty: Provide nearby plots sized to the local need.
• Planning Steps: Map current sites find gaps and set aside land.
• Basic Works: Build drains firm paths and lights and clean the site.
• Public Record: Post maps and progress online for all to see.

Media And Civil Society Role

The press should report ground facts with care and avoid frames that turn a civic demand into a fight between faiths. Civil society can support with small drives for cleaning and lights while the state handles land and drains. Calm words and steady work will help more than loud shows.

• Report With Context: Show the site and the files not only slogans.
• Keep It Peaceful: Support dialogue and avoid hate talk.
• Track Promises: List what was pledged and by when.
• Local Teams: Involve imams priests teachers and doctors.

Road Map For Fast Relief

The solution is simple if the state chooses to act. A joint team from revenue civic works and local police should inspect within a week and pick two or three nearby parcels. One parcel should be set aside by public order within thirty days and funds should be released for quick works at the old site before the next heavy rain.

• Seven Day Survey: Inspect and publish a short note with photos.
• Thirty Day Land Order: Set aside new land and fence the boundary.
• Pre Rain Fix: Level soil add drains pumps and lights at the old plot.
• Yearly Review: Meet residents and councillors to check upkeep.

Conclusion

Burial with dignity is a basic right and a true sign of a civil city. The scene in Yamunapar shows a deep gap between big claims and daily care under the present order. Muslim families have asked with patience then with protest and now through law for safe land to lay their dead to rest. The Delhi government and the centre must answer with deeds not words. A nation that speaks of pride must first make sure that the last walk of its poorest citizen is on firm ground and under a clear light.