Jamaat-e-Islami Hind vice-president Malik Moatasim Khan alleges increasing pressure on minorities and criticises political polarisation
NEW DELHI — Concerns over demolition drives, minority rights and political polarisation took centre stage during an event in the national capital where Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) vice-president Malik Moatasim Khan criticised the policies of the central government and several BJP-ruled states. He claimed that actions against homes and religious institutions were creating fear among minority communities.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Khan alleged that authorities were preparing to carry out the demolition of nearly 300 houses in Kolkata, a move he said could affect around 15,000 people, including elderly residents, women, children, patients and students.
Khan said many of the houses are permanent structures and that residents are worried about losing their homes.
“There are reports that around 300 houses may face bulldozer action. If that happens, nearly 15,000 people could be affected. Many of these families have been living there for years and are now worried about their future,” he said.
Criticism of Bulldozer Actions
Khan used the programme to criticise what he described as a growing use of bulldozer actions in different parts of the country.
According to him, governments should focus on protecting citizens and helping people secure housing rather than demolishing homes.
“The duty of a government is to help people build their lives, not destroy their homes. If anyone has violated the law, action should be taken through the legal process. But people should not be made homeless without proper solutions,” he said.
He argued that authorities should introduce policies that provide legal recognition to long-established settlements and residential colonies where families have lived for many years.
Khan said governments possess the resources and administrative ability to regularise such settlements but are not taking sufficient steps in that direction.
Allegations of Rights Violations
During his address, the JIH leader also raised concerns about what he described as violations of civil and political rights.
He alleged that minority communities were facing increasing pressure and claimed that important public concerns such as inflation, unemployment and economic difficulties were being overshadowed by debates over demolition drives and religious issues.
Khan said, “Today, the meaning of a double-engine government is no longer increasing the strength of justice. It has become a way to impose hardship. To say that people have nothing to fear is far from reality. Many citizens feel that government actions themselves are becoming a source of fear.”
He further claimed that political and minority rights were being weakened in several places across the country.
Questions Over Economic Issues
The JIH vice-president questioned the government’s performance on economic matters and argued that issues such as rising prices, employment opportunities and fuel costs should receive greater attention.
He asked whether inflation had been brought under control, whether petrol prices had fallen and whether large-scale employment opportunities had been created for ordinary citizens.
According to Khan, political debates are often shifted towards other issues when governments face difficult questions about economic performance.
Remarks on Religious Freedom
Speaking about religious conversion laws, Khan said every individual should have the freedom to choose and practise a religion according to personal beliefs.
He argued that freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution and that faith decisions should remain a matter of individual choice.
“Every person has the right to decide how they wish to live and what faith they wish to follow. No one else should decide which religion another person should adopt or reject,” he said.
Comments on West Bengal Situation
Khan also spoke about the political atmosphere in West Bengal, alleging that pressure was being placed on political opponents and that attempts were being made to influence political loyalties.
He claimed that demolition actions were creating fear in Muslim-majority areas and contributing to feelings of insecurity among residents.
The JIH leader further raised concerns regarding voter registration, alleging that some citizens had experienced difficulties relating to the electoral rolls. He questioned the functioning of election authorities and called for greater transparency.
Fact-finding Visits and Community Concerns
According to Khan, representatives from organisations working on civil rights visited West Bengal and met community leaders, residents and legal experts to understand local concerns.
He said residents expressed anxiety regarding educational and religious institutions and voiced uncertainty about the future.
“People shared many concerns with us. There is a feeling of insecurity regarding educational and religious institutions, and many families are worried about what may happen in the coming months,” he said.
Khan added that meetings were also held with legal experts to discuss the difficulties being faced by affected residents and to explore possible legal remedies.
Continuing Debate
The remarks come at a time when demolition drives and actions against structures alleged to be illegal have become a subject of national debate.
Government authorities have consistently maintained that demolition actions are carried out in accordance with legal procedures and are aimed at removing unlawful encroachments, irrespective of religion or community.
Critics, however, argue that many recent actions have disproportionately affected minority communities and have called for greater transparency, judicial oversight and safeguards for affected families.
As discussions continue over housing rights, religious freedom and equal treatment under the law, Khan’s claim regarding the possible demolition of 300 houses in Kolkata is likely to add further attention to the ongoing national debate surrounding bulldozer actions and their social impact.
