After Turkman Gate drive, fear grips Muslims; questions grow over fairness, heritage protection, and daily livelihoods in Old Delhi
NEW DELHI — A wave of fear has spread in the Muslim community after the Delhi High Court ordered a detailed survey of the area around the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, following recent action near Turkman Gate. Many locals fear that the survey could open the door to bulldozer action near one of India’s most important Muslim religious sites.
The High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to examine roads, public spaces, and parking areas around Jama Masjid and submit a report within two months. The order came after a petition alleged illegal parking and encroachments near Gates 3, 5, and 7 of the mosque.
The court said that if illegal construction or encroachment is found, action should be taken as per law.
The petition was filed by Farhat Hasan and others, who complained that unauthorised parking and roadside vendors were causing problems for visitors and commuters. They said public roads were blocked, leading to traffic jams and inconvenience.
A lawyer linked to the case said, “The petition was about traffic and parking. It was not meant to target any religion or place of worship.”
Despite this, Muslim residents say the timing of the order has caused anxiety. After the recent removal drive near Turkman Gate, many fear that Jama Masjid could be next.
A local resident from Old Delhi said, “When we hear the word survey after what happened at Turkman Gate, we naturally feel scared. Bulldozers mostly reach Muslim areas.”
A member of the Jama Masjid committee said, “Jama Masjid is a living mosque, not just a tourist place. Thousands come here daily to pray. Any step must respect our faith and history.”
Small traders and hawkers, many of whom are Muslims, say sudden action could destroy their only source of income.
A shopkeeper near Gate No. 5 said, “We have been here for years. If they remove us without hearing us, our families will starve.”
Muslim groups argue that traffic issues can be solved with planning, not force.
The issue has taken a communal turn after some Hindu organisations expressed anger over pictures of film personalities Payal and Mannara visiting Jama Masjid and other Muslim religious places. Muslim voices say this reaction shows a clear bias.
A social activist said, “Celebrities visit temples and other places all the time. Only mosque visits are questioned. This is unfair.”
Historians warn that careless action around Jama Masjid could harm its heritage.
A Delhi-based historian said, “This mosque has stood for centuries. Any work around it must be careful and lawful. Damage here cannot be undone.”
Muslim leaders have asked authorities to talk to mosque officials and local people before taking any step.
A community elder said, “Law should be the same for all areas, not only Muslim ones. We want order, not fear.”
The MCD is expected to begin the survey soon. Until then, uncertainty hangs over Old Delhi, as Muslims wait to see whether justice will be applied with balance or whether another historic Muslim area will face harsh action.
