Controversy surrounds razing of Muslim sites in Delhi; Indian police blockade continues
New Delhi: The heritage of the historic Mehrauli neighbourhood in South Delhi faces an uncertain future as the demolition of Madrasa Bahrul-Uloom, an approximately 800-year-old site containing shrines, mosques, and seminaries, continued for the 5th day, today.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Hindutva BJP /RSS dominated Delhi Development Authority (DDA) initiated the demolition exercise without any notice, raising concerns and objections from the local community.
The Delhi Waqf Board, responsible for safeguarding such religious properties, expressed surprise at the ongoing action.
The DDA’s action has ignited public outrage, with demands for accountability and transparency in the preservation of historical and religious sites.
Reacting strongly to the DDA’s move, Naseem Ahmed, a local activist, labeled it as a violation of the Delhi High Court’s decision and called on the Waqf Board to take immediate legal action. Ahmed criticised the lack of prior information and action by the Waqf Board, emphasising the need for proactive measures to prevent further unauthorised demolitions of Muslim places of worship.
Another activist Asad Mian, condemned the DDA’s actions, stating that the situation in Mehrauli is distressing. Mian warned that if unchecked, more dargahs, mosques, and madrasas might face similar fate in the coming days. He raised concerns over the alleged involvement of a religious committee in issuing orders for the demolition.
The controversy deepened as reports suggest that the bulldozer-driven operation on the graveyard might have occurred under the directives of a religious committee which now are reported to be paid persons of BJP and RSS. People are questioning the efficacy of the Delhi Waqf Board in protecting its properties, urging the immediate reconstitution of the board. Concerns were voiced about the desecration of graves and uncovering of bodies during the demolition process.
Imam Maulana Zakir, a key figure in the Mehrauli community, has reportedly been in discussions with the authorities to address the situation. Dargah Ashiqullah said that the 800-year-old site is off-limits to the public, and suspicions are growing that the DDA might have predetermined targets.
The police blockade, now entering its fifth day, aims to secure the area following reports that bodies were removed from the graves during the demolition.
As the controversy unfolds, the Delhi Waqf Board, DDA, and the religious committee find themselves at the center of an escalating debate over the protection of cultural and religious heritage in Mehrauli.
