A fresh wave of anxiety has gripped the Muslim community in Waris Nagar, Chandausi, in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, as local authorities prepare to demolish a mosque and 34 surrounding homes, citing alleged illegal encroachment.
The looming demolition is stirring fears of targeted actions against Muslim places of worship and residences, following the controversial survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal.
The Sambhal District Magistrate (DM), Rajendra Pensia, along with other senior officials, recently inspected the Waris Nagar mosque and the nearby houses. Reports suggest that authorities are investigating the legality of these structures, and demolition orders are reportedly being considered.
The administration argues that the mosque and homes were built on six bighas of municipal land in Chandausi, claiming the properties were constructed without proper authorization, thereby making them liable for demolition under anti-encroachment laws.
However, the local community strongly disputes these claims. The mosque’s imam raised concerns, questioning the timing of the demolition move. “If the land was illegal, why did authorities allow construction in the first place?” he asked. “The officials who approved these settlements should be held accountable, not the innocent families living here.” His remarks reflect the widespread feeling of injustice among locals, who believe they were sold land in good faith, unaware of any disputes over ownership.
Many residents emphasize that they purchased their properties legally, with one local stating, “The land was cheap, so people bought it in good faith. It has changed hands multiple times over the years. If it was government land, why did authorities allow these transactions? Where was the administration then?” This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, with people questioning the selective enforcement of land laws in their area.
There are growing concerns that the demolition efforts are part of a broader pattern, with Muslim-owned properties in particular being targeted. Locals point out that similar unauthorized constructions can be found throughout the district, yet the demolition drives seem to disproportionately affect Muslim settlements. This has raised suspicions that the actions are driven by a specific agenda, further deepening the community’s sense of alienation and vulnerability.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com. Read the full story here.
