Muslims accused of encroaching government land, sparking concern over continued discrimination and safety of minorities
JABALPUR — A controversial claim has emerged in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, where some Hindu organisations have alleged a so-called ‘Kinnar Jihad’ against Muslims, accusing them of encroaching upon government land and preparing to settle transgender individuals with a hidden agenda.
The incident took place in Ayesha Nagar, Adhartal tehsil, where construction work on government land had reportedly been ongoing for nearly a year. Hindu organisations staged protests, filed complaints with the district administration, and demanded immediate action.
Following the complaints, Adhartal Tehsildar, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and police officials, including the Station House Officer (SHO), visited the site. They removed the ongoing construction and issued a notice banning further work, bowing to pressure from right-wing groups.
Activists Manoj Rajak and Abhilasha Singh from the Hindu organisations alleged, “The entire land in Ayesha Nagar is government-owned, but some individuals were trying to encroaching it. An attempt was being made to build a madrasa there.” They further claimed, “Funds for this madrasa were being provided through a transgender person, and the process of imparting education would have begun within a few days.”
Rajak also asserted, “Preparations were being made here not only for land jihad but also for transgender jihad. Some people were planning to illegally settle transgender individuals here and prepare them for some purpose.”
However, local residents and Muslim community leaders expressed shock and concern over these accusations. Imam Abdul Rahman of the Ayesha Nagar Mosque said, “These allegations are completely baseless. There is no such ‘Kinnar jihad’. The madrasa we are planning is only for education, to help our children learn and grow in a safe environment.”
Another community member, Saira Bano, added, “It feels like Muslims are being targeted constantly. Every day there is a new accusation—spit jihad, love jihad, and now land and transgender jihad. We live in fear because our intentions are being twisted and misrepresented.”
Human rights activists have also condemned the move, calling it part of a pattern of harassment against minorities in Madhya Pradesh. A local NGO worker, Anil Khan, remarked, “This is an attempt to intimidate and vilify the Muslim community. Right-wing organisations are misusing administrative processes to create fear and division.”
This incident highlights a worrying trend of communal targeting in the region, raising questions about the safety and freedom of religious minorities. Legal experts and civil society groups are urging authorities to ensure that minority communities can live and practice their religion without fear of fabricated allegations.
The district administration has maintained that its actions were taken strictly in response to complaints about land ownership and construction permissions. However, community members fear that the narrative being promoted by Hindu organisations goes beyond legal concerns and is intended to stigmatise and intimidate Muslims and transgender individuals alike.
Imam Abdul Rahman emphasised, “We respect the law and the administration. But we cannot remain silent when false stories are circulated to divide communities. Education and peaceful living should not be criminalised.”
As debates continue over these allegations, residents of Ayesha Nagar call for calm, fairness, and justice, hoping that the authorities will distinguish between legitimate legal action and communal propaganda.
