DDA razes historic mosque, promises alternative land amid protests and legal battles
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The demolition of Faizyab Mosque in Sarai Kale Khan, a prominent area in the national capital’s Hazrat Nizamuddin locality, has sparked outrage and controversy in the city. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) bulldozed the mosque and its adjoining madrasa on Saturday morning, despite the mosque’s long-standing presence and historical significance.
The mosque’s caretaker, Deen Mohammad, recounted the sequence of events that led to the demolition. He explained that his late grandfather built the mosque in 1972 on their ancestral land, and it was later registered with the Waqf Board. Mohammad had approached the Delhi High Court to contest the demolition, but due to what he described as inadequate legal proceedings, the court ordered the DDA to provide alternative land for the mosque while allowing the demolition to proceed.
Mohammad expressed deep frustration and anger over the situation. “This mosque was built by my late grandfather at his ancestral place and then registered with the Waqf Board. Despite this, we received no help from anywhere,” he said. He lamented the uncertainty surrounding the promised alternative location, stating, “We don’t even know where they will give us an alternative place for the mosque.”
Deen Mohammad further criticised the DDA for failing to justify their need for the land in court. “The mosque was situated on a large plot in a prime location, worth 15 to 20 crore rupees. Along with a large number of worshippers, members of the Tablighi Jamaat also stayed in this mosque,” he explained. He repeatedly questioned the DDA in the high court about the purpose of taking over the mosque land but received no response, calling it a “complete injustice.”
The demolition has drawn sharp criticism from various community leaders and organisations.
Javed Ahmed, president of the Waqf Welfare Forum, expressed deep anger and suspicion, alleging collusion between the Waqf Board, the mosque committee, and other entities. “This is part of a larger scheme to gradually remove mosques from important locations,” he asserted. Ahmed pointed out that the list of targeted mosques is extensive, with many having already been demolished under various pretexts.
Ahmed emphasised the historical significance of these mosques. “Earlier, authorities turned many centuries-old mosques, shrines, and graveyards of Delhi into ruins overnight. Now, even those mosques with valid documents and original custodianship are not being spared,” he said, highlighting a pattern of systematic targeting.
The DDA actions have stirred political debates, with accusations of targeting religious sites under the guise of development. The promise of alternative land has done little to quell the anger and distrust among the community members.
The demolition of the Faizyab Mosque is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader narrative of religious and cultural heritage sites being threatened in the name of development. This has raised concerns about the protection of minority rights and the preservation of historical and cultural landmarks.
Many community members gathered at the demolition site, expressing their grief and anger. “This is not just a building; it’s a part of our history and identity,” said one local resident. Another added, “We have seen many such demolitions in the past, and it seems there’s no end to it. The authorities must understand that these places hold immense significance for us.”
Legal experts have also weighed in on the issue, questioning the DDA’s adherence to legal norms and the ethical implications of such actions. “The lack of a clear purpose for the land acquisition and the hasty demolition raises serious legal and ethical questions,” said a legal analyst. “The promise of alternative land, while seemingly a concession, does not address the root issues of transparency and justice.”
The Faizyab Mosque, built in 1972, has been a central place of worship and community gathering for decades. Its location in Sarai Kale Khan, a historically significant area, adds to its importance. The mosque has not only served the spiritual needs of the community but has also been a hub for social and cultural activities.
The demolition of the Faizyab Mosque sets a worrying precedent for other religious and cultural sites in Delhi and beyond. Community leaders fear that without proper legal protections and a commitment to preserving heritage, many more such sites could face a similar fate.