Fear grips the Muslim community in the Waris Nagar area of the city; authorities’ bias under scrutiny
Team Clarion
SAMBHAL — A fresh wave of anxiety has gripped the Muslim community in Waris Nagar in Chandausi city in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal District as the local administration prepares to demolish a mosque and 34 houses, citing alleged illegal encroachment.
The move comes in the wake of the controversial survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, sparking fears of targeted action against Muslim places of worship and residences.
According to official sources, the District Magistrate (DM) of Sambhal, Rajendra Pensia, along with other senior officials, recently inspected the Waris Nagar Mosque and nearby houses. Following the visit, reports emerged that authorities are scrutinising the legality of these structures, with demolition orders reportedly under consideration.
The administration claims that the mosque and the surrounding houses have been built on six bighas of municipal land in Chandausi. Officials have maintained that the structures were erected without proper authorisation, making them liable for demolition under anti-encroachment laws.
However, locals strongly contest these claims. The imam of the mosque, in a sharp rebuttal, questioned the administration’s intentions, stating, “If the land was illegal, why did authorities allow construction in the first place? The officials who approved these settlements should be held accountable, not the innocent families living here.”
Fear and uncertainty loom large in Waris Nagar, where Muslim families are dreading the possibility of sudden eviction. Many residents argue that they purchased their properties legally and had no knowledge of any land disputes. A resident, speaking to the media, said, “The land was cheap, so people bought it in good faith. It has changed hands multiple times over the years. If it was government land, why did authorities allow these transactions? Where was the administration then?”
The sentiment is echoed by others in the community, who believe that selective action is being taken against Muslim-owned properties. Residents point out that similar constructions exist across the district, but demolition drives appear to disproportionately target their areas.
The impending demolition drive in Waris Nagar follows a disturbing trend where mosques and Muslim settlements are increasingly being marked for removal. Legal experts and civil society activists argue that these actions undermine communal harmony and raise concerns about discriminatory enforcement of land laws.
A legal expert familiar with land disputes in Uttar Pradesh noted, “Land ownership disputes are complex and should be resolved through legal mechanisms rather than bulldozer justice. Demolitions without due process only deepen social divisions.”
Several community leaders and activists are urging the administration to reconsider its decision and conduct a fair investigation. They emphasise that if any irregularities exist, alternative solutions should be explored rather than mass demolitions that render families homeless.
A senior member of a local Muslim organisation stated, “We appeal to the judiciary to intervene and ensure justice. The demolition of homes and places of worship without a transparent legal process is unacceptable.”
As tensions escalate, political and social organisations are beginning to take notice. If the authorities proceed with the demolition, it could trigger widespread unrest and further alienate the affected community.
Despite growing concerns, the administration has yet to issue a detailed clarification regarding the status of the Waris Nagar demolitions. DM Rajendra Pensia has refrained from making any direct statement, but sources suggest that the final decision may come after further deliberation.
For now, residents of Waris Nagar remain on edge, uncertain about what the coming days will bring. As bulldozers prepare to roll in, the Muslim community finds itself once again struggling to assert its rights and protect its homes from destruction.
