Authorities accused of bias, fuelling Islamophobic sentiment; the voices of protest grow louder, with many calling for a fairer and more just process in addressing illegal constructions
NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW – Tensions erupted once again in Lucknow’s King George Medical University (KGMU) as bulldozers returned on Sunday for a second consecutive day of demolitions, razing a madrasa, shops, and huts near the shrine of Shahmina Shah Baba. The demolition, carried out in the presence of a heavy police force, has sparked widespread controversy, with accusations of government overreach, escalating Islamophobic rhetoric, and the victimisation of Muslims under the guise of enforcing encroachment laws.
On Sunday, the action continued from 11 am and lasted for over nine hours. The university administration claimed the madrasa, built allegedly illegally for two years, was part of a broader attempt to remove encroachments from the area. Over 10 shops and 36 huts were also demolished, all close to the university’s medical complex. The forced removals have been described by locals as an excessive use of state power, while the madrasa’s destruction has raised concerns about the increasing marginalisation of Muslim institutions under government scrutiny.
While the authorities assert that notices for the removal of illegal structures were issued six months ago, many see the move as part of a larger pattern of discrimination. “This is not just about encroachments; it’s an attempt to bring Muslim lives and property under government control, something that feels eerily like state-sanctioned hooliganism,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Muslim leaders in Lucknow have strongly condemned the demolition, viewing it as an attack on the Muslim community’s religious and cultural identity. “The madrasa was not just a religious institution; it was a place of education for our children,” said Syed Ameen, a prominent local Muslim leader. “Its demolition is not merely the removal of an illegal structure but a message to the Muslim community that our presence is unwanted in this city.”
Many Muslim activists have expressed frustration at what they perceive as a targeted approach. “It is clear that this operation, like others before it, is disproportionately aimed at Muslim properties. Why are we always the ones losing our homes, businesses, and places of worship?” questioned Fatima Begum, a resident of the area. “This is an attack on our dignity, and it will only fuel more resentment and division.”
The demolition operation, which began on Saturday, was preceded by violent clashes. Shopkeepers, angered by the removal of their businesses, chased and beat up KGMU professors and resident doctors. Two professors, along with an assistant professor and a resident doctor, sustained injuries during the attack. Eyewitnesses reported that the violence unfolded in full view of the police, who were unable to prevent the assault.
“The situation was chaotic, and even though we were being attacked in front of the police, no immediate help came. We were left vulnerable,” recounted a KGMU resident doctor. “The police intervened only after the situation escalated beyond control.”
Despite the tension, the university administration reiterated its stance on illegal encroachments. “We have been issuing notices for months, and yet these structures remained standing. The university cannot allow its land to be occupied unlawfully,” a spokesperson stated. However, the response has been met with accusations of heavy-handedness and discrimination against the Muslim community, particularly with the destruction of the madrasa.
The use of bulldozers has become a controversial tactic in India, often seen as a symbol of authoritarianism and aggressive state action against Muslim communities. Critics argue that these demolitions are not merely about illegal encroachments but are being used to target Muslim institutions and businesses, exacerbating the growing Islamophobic sentiment across the country.
Local political analyst, Dr Aftab Ahmed, commented: “The focus on Muslim areas for such demolitions, often under the guise of ‘illegal occupation removal,’ has raised serious questions. It feels like an attempt to systematically suppress Muslim communities under the banner of state law enforcement.”
As bulldozers ravage the area, voices within the Muslim community continue to call out what they see as an Islamophobic agenda. “The destruction of our madrasa is a signal that the government no longer values our contributions to society. Why target our mosques, madrasas, and small businesses? Why not look at encroachments in other areas?” questioned Abdul Rehman, a madrasa teacher who witnessed the demolition. “We have always respected the law, but when the law becomes an instrument of oppression, it loses its legitimacy.”
Others argue that the action is a part of a broader campaign to undermine the socioeconomic status of Muslims. “This is a deliberate attempt to disempower us economically and socially. The demolitions are not an isolated incident but part of a larger strategy to isolate and weaken the Muslim community,” said Asma Farooq, a social activist who has been vocal about the rising discrimination against Muslims. “We fear this is just the beginning. If we remain silent, we risk losing even more of our homes and livelihoods.”
This incident is not isolated. Similar demolitions have taken place in other parts of the country, often linked to religious and political rhetoric. Many of the affected parties are Muslim families and businesses, which only fuels the perception that these actions are more about suppressing the Muslim community than about addressing genuine encroachment issues.
“Every time there is a demolition like this, it only strengthens the narrative that Muslims are the target of systemic injustice,” remarked a senior social worker in Lucknow, who has been working with affected families. “These actions are framed as law enforcement, but there is a deeper, more troubling context of intolerance and discrimination.”
Authorities have defended the demolitions, with Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rajkumar stating, “There was no obstacle during the encroachment removal on Sunday. All individuals involved cooperated with the authorities, and the operation was carried out smoothly.” He maintained that the government’s actions were strictly per the law.
However, the government’s stance has done little to calm the anger brewing in the community. Protestors argue that the state’s heavy-handed approach disproportionately targets Muslims and minorities, while similar illegal constructions in other areas remain untouched.
“I’ve lived in this area for years, and there was no issue with my shop until now. Why is it that every time we see these bulldozers rolling through, it’s always Muslim establishments that are hit the hardest?” questioned a local shopkeeper, visibly upset by the demolition of his store.
This latest incident has further eroded the trust between the Muslim community and the local government, leading to fears that such demolitions are a part of a broader agenda to marginalise Muslims and stoke tensions. Community leaders have called for a review of the demolition policy, urging the government to reconsider its approach to encroachments, particularly those affecting religious and cultural institutions.
As the bulldozers continue to tear down structures, the voices of protest grow louder, with many calling for a fairer and more just process in addressing illegal constructions. “We will not remain silent. The bulldozers will not erase our dignity,” said a local activist, echoing the sentiments of many who feel targeted by these government actions.
The situation in Lucknow’s KGMU area remains tense, with the Muslim community and residents demanding accountability and a halt to what they see as politically motivated demolitions. As the dust settles, the question of whether this is an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern of discrimination remains unanswered.
