Historic mosque demolished in BJP-ruled Gujarat without prior notice
Gandhinagar: Authorities in BJP-ruled Gujarat state have demolished a historic mosque in Kutch district without prior notice, drawing strong criticism from local residents and Muslim organizations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Juna Kunda Mosque in the Gandhidham area was razed on June 29 as part of a broader bulldozer drive targeting structures authorities described as unauthorized. Local residents said no prior notice was served to the mosque’s management before the demolition.
Residents said the mosque was known for its historical significance and distinctive architecture. Mosque President Mohammad Samar said the structure had been recorded in official waqf land records since 1965, yet authorities used bulldozers to demolish it. They further said that police prevented community members from protesting and removed people from the site while the demolition was underway.
According to local residents, nearly 30 structures have been demolished in the area, including commercial buildings associated with religious sites and several residential properties.
Following the demolition, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind dispatched a high-level delegation led by its General Secretary, Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, to inspect the site and meet affected residents, mosque officials and lawyers. The organisation said it would provide legal assistance to the affected families and challenge the demolition in court.
Jamiat leaders said that where a mosque, shrine or any other religious site is officially recorded as waqf property, the authorities are legally bound to follow due process and principles of natural justice before undertaking any demolition. They also noted that Kutch is home to a centuries-old Muslim community with numerous historic mosques, shrines and religious sites, making strict adherence to legal procedures imperative.
The demolition adds to a growing number of incidents in which mosques, shrines, homes and businesses belonging to Muslims have been bulldozed across India. While authorities routinely describe such structures as unauthorized, Muslim organisations and human rights advocates have repeatedly said that these drives disproportionately target the Muslim community and are carried out without adequate legal safeguards or due process.
