AIMIM leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized the recent demolition drive in Dwarka, Gujarat, accusing the state government of targeting Muslim places of worship and cemeteries.
Owaisi contended that these demolitions violated Supreme Court orders and were carried out without proper legal procedures.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Owaisi stated, “The demolitions in Dwarka, Gujarat, were targeted against Muslims, their places of worship, and qabrasthans. They blatantly violated Supreme Court orders. The demolished qabrasthans and dargahs were officially recognized in government records.
The government never questioned their status, yet these demolitions took place without adhering to natural justice principles. This is highly condemnable.”
He further criticized the government’s attempt to amend the Waqf Bill, suggesting it could weaken protections for Waqf properties.
The demolition drive took place between January 18 and 25 across various areas in the Devbhoomi Dwarka district, where authorities removed several structures they deemed as encroachments. Owaisi raised concerns that the demolitions disproportionately affected Muslim religious sites, including dargahs and burial grounds, which had been acknowledged in official records.
On the other hand, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi defended the operation, lauding it as a successful effort to clear illegal encroachments. In a post on X, Sanghavi shared, “DevBhoomi Dwarka! The 7 islands of Dwarka district are NOW 100% encroachment-free! A total of 36 illegal structures have been successfully removed from the seven islands. Kudos to the Administration and team for their dedication and commitment to preserving our cultural heritage!”
The demolished structures were reportedly constructed in the past five to ten years, many located on islands that require special permission for access. The government’s focus on removing these “illegal structures” has sparked debate, with Owaisi and others questioning the fairness of the targeted demolitions.
The Gujarat Waqf Board has filed a petition in the high court, challenging the demolitions and arguing that the sites should have been protected. The matter will be heard by the High Court on February 4.
Owaisi’s remarks have sparked wider discussions on the implications of such demolitions, particularly regarding the rights of minority communities and the potential consequences of proposed changes to the Waqf Bill, which some believe could undermine safeguards for religious properties.
