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By Mariyam Usmani

On October 16, the Uttar Pradesh government vacated over 80 houses belonging to Muslim families in the Bahjoi area of Sambhal, citing “illegal construction” and “encroachments.” The move, following an order from the Allahabad High Court, has left many families displaced and struggling to find shelter. Some are now forced to live on the streets.

According to reports, these homes in the Bahjoi area of Sambhal were situated on glass-works factory land and populated by Muslim workers and residents. The police also sealed these houses followed by a power-cut by the electricity department.  

The “Stir-Up” After Displacements 

The police action started around 8 ‘O’ o’clock when the officials entered, vacated and put seals on the houses of Muslims, amid heavy PAC deployed, while people kept crying and asking for help. These families who have been residing in Bahjoi for more than 50 years were opposing the police action with women crying behind and children saving their books.

Police flung their belongings on the open street. Locals headed towards their friends or relatives to find a shelter.

This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.