Gujarat’s Bet Dwarka Demolition Drive Mainly Targeted Muslims: Rights Group

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Over 500 structures including homes and mosques bulldozed; locals claim discrimination and lack of rehabilitation measures

Team Clarion

NEW DELHI – A large-scale demolition drive in Bet Dwarka and surrounding islands on Gujarat’s Arabian Sea coast has ignited controversy, with civil society groups accusing the state government of disproportionately targeting the Muslim community. The drive, conducted in three phases between January 11 and 18, saw the destruction of 525 structures, including homes, mosques, and temples, on over 1.27 lakh square meters of land valued at ₹73 crore.

The demolition, carried out by the district administration, forest department, and police, left hundreds of families homeless and disrupted the lives of over 400 children after a local primary school was shut down. The affected residents, predominantly from the Muslim community, claim they were given little to no notice and were not provided with alternative housing or rehabilitation.

The Gujarat chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) released a detailed fact-finding report on January 27, highlighting the alleged discrimination and constitutional violations during the demolition drive. The report, presented at a press conference in Ahmedabad, accused the government of using coercive tactics to harass Muslims under the guise of enforcing rules.

“Such actions and policies not only violate constitutional values but are also against the idea of a democratic state,” the report stated. “Legal rules say that all citizens should be treated equally and their rights should be respected. Bulldozer actions send a message that governance is completely according to power, and there is no law and order,” the report said.

Shamshad Khan Pathan, president of APCR-Gujarat, emphasised that the demolition disproportionately affected Muslims. “About 90% of the houses destroyed in Dwarka belonged to Muslims. This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a pattern of targeting Muslims across India,” he said.

The demolition has not only displaced families but also severely impacted livelihoods. Around 300 fishermen, who rely on the coastal area for their income, have been rendered jobless. Additionally, the closure of the local primary school has left over 400 children without access to education.

Residents claim they have lived in the area for decades without any legal disputes. “We have been here for 30 to 40 years. We were given only 12 hours’ notice before the demolition, despite Supreme Court guidelines mandating a 15-day notice period,” said one affected resident.

Advocate Huzaifa Ujjaini, a member of the fact-finding team, criticised the government’s lack of transparency. “We spoke to various civil organisations, reviewed news articles, and interviewed affected families. The government has not given any clarity on the reasons behind this demolition and has spread false narratives against Muslims. This Hindu-Muslim polarisation diverts attention from important issues like unemployment, jobs, and inflation,” he said.

The Gujarat government defended the demolition, citing the need to remove unauthorised constructions on government land and protect sensitive marine areas. Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu stated that the island’s proximity to international waters makes it a national security concern, with potential risks of drug trafficking.

However, the APCR report refuted these claims, noting that only two drug-related cases have been registered in the area. The report also highlighted the economic impact of the newly constructed Sudarshan Setu bridge, which has disrupted the livelihoods of boat owners and fishermen.

Residents and activists allege that the demolition drive was biased, with Muslim-owned properties being disproportionately targeted. “The government is promoting polarisation. They deliberately caused less damage to Hindu-owned properties,” said a local resident.

The Gujarat Minority Coordination Committee, in a letter to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, condemned the discriminatory actions. “There should be no discrimination between Hindus and Muslims in removing encroachments,” the letter stated.

The Bet Dwarka demolition is the latest in a series of anti-encroachment drives in Gujarat. Similar actions were carried out in Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Kutch, and Porbandar, often under the pretext of national security and environmental concerns. In September 2024, nine mosques and shrines were demolished near the Somnath temple, sparking widespread anger.

The APCR report has called for immediate policy reforms and rehabilitation of the affected families. Recommendations include providing monthly cash assistance, rebuilding demolished homes, and ensuring the education of displaced children. The report also demands an impartial investigation into the actions of the police and administration.

“Development cannot come at the cost of human rights and livelihoods,” said Pathan. “If this injustice continues, we will continue to protest.”

As the controversy unfolds, the Bet Dwarka demolition drive has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over development, displacement, and communal harmony. The affected families, now living in tents, await justice and a resolution to their plight.

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