Demolition Drive Raises Concerns Over Religious and Muslim Targeting in India

In a controversial move, the Gujarat government has razed hundreds of buildings, including religious sites, sparking widespread allegations of discrimination and human rights violations.

The BJP-led government in Gujarat has launched a demolition drive in Dwarka district, targeting what authorities call “illegal encroachments” in an effort to protect national security. However, the large-scale destruction of homes, businesses, and religious structures, including the prominent Hazrat Panj Peer Dargah, has raised concerns of targeted discrimination, especially against the Muslim community.

Beginning last Sunday, bulldozers demolished 314 residential buildings, 9 commercial properties, and 12 religious sites. The demolition operation, carried out under heavy police presence, took many residents by surprise. Authorities claimed that notices had been issued to the affected families, but numerous locals reported receiving little to no prior warning before their homes were destroyed. Many families were caught off guard, scrambling to salvage belongings while women and children were seen in distress as their homes were torn down.

The demolition drive has sparked widespread outrage, particularly due to the speed and force with which it was carried out. Critics argue that the true intent behind the operation is to displace and clear out the Muslim community, using the justification of environmental protection and national security as a cover. The bulldozer-led action has been accompanied by significant police deployment, preventing any resistance from the local population.

Riyaz Farangipete, the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), condemned the demolitions, stating that the bulldozer has now become a weapon for the BJP-led government to target Muslims under the guise of law enforcement. He called the operation a clear example of the government’s discriminatory policies aimed at undermining the rights of minorities.

The demolition drive has sparked debates across the country, with many pointing to it as a part of the government’s broader agenda to marginalize the Muslim community. The destruction of religious sites, particularly the Hazrat Panj Peer Dargah, has further fueled allegations of religious persecution. Critics argue that such actions undermine the secular fabric of India and violate the rights of those affected.

While the Gujarat government maintains that the demolition is part of efforts to protect national security and clear illegal encroachments, the lack of adequate notice and the overwhelming force used have raised significant concerns. Human rights groups are closely monitoring the situation, demanding accountability for the widespread destruction of homes and religious sites.

As the controversy continues, the demolition drive in Dwarka district has become a flashpoint for discussions on the treatment of religious minorities and the erosion of their rights in India.