Officials claim the mosque obstructs a road and deployed bulldozers on Tuesday to clear the site, despite the mosque predating the road it is alleged to encroach upon
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW – Even as the matter involving the alleged encroachment of the state government land is sub-judice, a major portion of the 180-year-old Noori Jama Masjid in Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh was bulldozed on Tuesday. Situated in Lalauli town on Banda Sagar Road, the demolition took place after the mosque committee failed to remove the encroachment even after two notices were issued in connection to the same, an official said.
The razed portion of the mosque was allegedly constructed in the last three years to extend the mosque over the Banda Bahraich Road, obstructing the proposed widening of the road.
Officials claim the mosque obstructs a road and deployed bulldozers on Tuesday to clear the site, despite the mosque predating the road it is alleged to encroach upon.
The PWD department had given a notice a month ago to demolish the mosque.
According to the Fatehpur administration, the mosque management committee was issued two notices regarding the encroachment, on August 17 and December 24, 2023.
The committee had given an undertaking to remove the encroached portion itself. However, it later approached the high court, which scheduled a hearing for December 13.
The administration stated that the committee had not removed the encroached part, prompting the demolition with assistance from the Public Works Department, which maintains the highway.
The demolition has ignited anger amongst local residents and activists, who emphasise the mosque’s historical and religious significance. Protesters accuse the authorities of disregarding cultural heritage and have called on the government to explore alternative solutions. As bulldozers move in, the demolition raises urgent questions about balancing development and preserving cultural landmarks in India’s evolving urban landscape.
The Yogi Adityanath regime is notorious for attacking and demolishing mosques and madrasas in different parts of the state. More than 50 mosques including madrasas and Islamic monuments are facing threats of demolition in Uttar Pradesh alone, where several mosques and their management committees are also fighting court battles to save them.
