100-year-old graveyard bulldozed in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh
Kanpur: A nearly 100-year-old graveyard in Kanpur, in the BJP-ruled Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was demolished during an anti-encroachment drive, triggering strong objections from local residents and members of the graveyard committee.
The graveyard had existed for around a century, and historical records dating back decades reportedly supported its status as a cemetery. Members of the graveyard committee said they had submitted documents concerning the property and its status to the authorities, but the demolition was carried out despite their objections.
Bulldozers were reportedly used to demolish graves and boundary structures during the operation. Local residents attempted to oppose the action, while police personnel were deployed at the site.
The graveyard committee said the land had been legally purchased and that its members possessed documents relating to the cemetery’s ownership and status. They questioned the decision to proceed with the demolition while the matter remained disputed.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents regarding the protection of old burial grounds and the procedures followed before demolishing religious or community properties.
The graveyard committee has said it will continue its legal battle before the appropriate courts and seek protection for the remaining cemetery land.
The KMS report said that Muslim properties and religious sites — including mosques, mazars, ziyarats, educational institutions, graveyards and residential properties — have been targeted for demolition or seizure in BJP-ruled states.
These actions are part of a broader campaign to weaken the Muslim community socially and economically. These brutal and communal actions need the attention of the world community to save the identity and status of minorities in BJP/RSS-ruled India, where Hindutva ideological actions are disturbing the daily life of minorities.
