Local leaders accused of aiding encroachment as residents demand action against illegal occupation
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In the heart of Sambhal’s Mahmood Khan Sarai, the Khabas Khan Bali graveyard, an ancient burial site for locals, has fallen prey to the ever-growing power of the land mafia. The graveyard, which has served as a sacred space for generations, is now at the centre of a dispute that involves powerful land mafia groups and political figures allegedly complicit in the occupation of the land.
The graveyard, which is a Waqf property, has been encroached upon by individuals with strong ties to influential political figures in the region. Residents, who have relied on this site for burial purposes, are now left grappling with the loss of their sacred space to land mafia backed by political protection.
The land mafia’s increasing presence across the country has sparked concern as they continue to target lands associated with religious institutions, including temples, mosques, and graveyards. In Sambhal, the land mafia has reportedly taken control of the front portion of the Khabas Khan Bali graveyard. These illegal encroachments, locals allege, are happening under the protection of a local political figure, further complicating the matter.
Mahmood Khan, a resident, and others from Sarai have voiced their concerns regarding the encroachment, placing blame on the powerful individuals close to MP Ziaur Rahman Barq. They accuse these individuals of leveraging their political influence to seize the Waqf land, all while disregarding legal orders and evading justice.
The allegations against Bark have intensified as residents claim that despite the legal ruling to prevent encroachment, the graveyard’s land continues to be illegally occupied. According to the residents, the lawmaker has failed to address the issue, preferring instead to focus on political manoeuvrings, particularly at the local police post.
“The MP only appears at the police post, conducting politics, but he never takes action against those encroaching upon our land,” said one local. “We need his help in protecting this graveyard, not just political statements.”
The locals’ frustration is palpable as they feel abandoned by their elected representative, with some going so far as to suggest that the MP is indirectly complicit in the land mafia’s activities. In the wake of these claims, calls for immediate action by the administration have grown louder.
In a desperate plea for justice, the victims of the encroachment are now urging the administration to intervene and remove the illegal structures. Their demands are clear: the land must be freed from the mafia’s control, and the administration should use every tool at its disposal to protect the Waqf property.
“The graveyard has been an important place for us for generations. Now, our sacred land is being sold off by these mafia groups with the help of influential people. We ask the government to step in,” said another resident.
The demand for a bulldozer to clear the encroachments is growing, with people stating that the only solution to this problem is swift and decisive action. Local leaders who previously wielded power in the region are also blamed for this situation, with many claiming that during the previous government, intimidation, threats, and violence were used to silence those opposing the illegal occupation.
“The situation was worse earlier. People were threatened and beaten for raising their voices,” said a resident. “Now, under the current government, the atmosphere is slightly better, but we still need more action.”
The case of land encroachment in Sambhal has exposed deep political and social divisions, with accusations against the previous administration intensifying. Many residents believe that the land mafia’s unchecked power is a result of the political protection it received from local leaders, particularly those with ties to MP Barq.
Critics argue that political figures who once stood for the welfare of the people are now only interested in their own political survival, abandoning the interests of their constituents. They point to the ease with which the mafia operates in areas where political connections are a shield against the law.
“This is not just about land; it’s about our dignity. We trusted our leaders to protect us, but they failed,” one resident remarked. “The land mafia thrives because it knows it has political backing. It’s time for the administration to take a strong stand against it.”
As the battle for the graveyard land continues, the locals of Sambhal remain resolute in their demand for justice. They insist that the land be returned to its rightful purpose, free from the grip of the land mafia. The encroachment of such sacred spaces has become emblematic of a broader issue that threatens to erode the foundations of their community.
With tensions rising, the people of Mahmood Khan Sarai now turn their hope toward the administration, hoping that their voices will be heard and their sacred land will be returned to them. They believe that only with the intervention of the state can they reclaim their space and ensure that future generations will have access to the graveyard, just as their ancestors did.
As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain on Sambhal, watching closely to see whether the cries of its people will be answered and whether justice will finally prevail over the forces of corruption and greed.
