Political and social activists deplored the clandestine nature of the demolitions carried out in the dark of the night.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The demolition of ancient Muslim sites in the Mehrauli neighbourhood of South Delhi by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has sparked widespread condemnation, with prominent religious and community leaders expressing deep concern and vowing to take legal action.
Maulana Naseem-ul-Haq Qasmi, general secretary of the Central Reform Society Committee, strongly condemned the demolitions, labeling them as illegal. He said the order received on the night of the operation did not explicitly mention demolition of religious sites, making the process entirely unlawful.
Maulana Qasmi said they will move the court against the actions of the DDA, emphasising the need to safeguard Muslim properties and Waqf Board assets in Delhi.
Haji Ikram Hasan and Syed Qamaruddin, political and social activists, called for the court to take notice of the matter. Hasan criticised the lack of interest from political, social, and religious leaders in protecting mosques, madrasas, and shrines. He deplored the clandestine nature of the demolitions carried out in the dark of the night, expressing strong disapproval of the government agencies involved.
Syed Qamaruddin sought strong action against those responsible for the illegal demolition of historical sites.
Haji Ikram Hasan raised questions about the government’s intentions and urged concerted action to protect Muslim places of worship and cultural heritage.
In a joint statement, the activists expressed the urgency of taking strict legal measures against the responsible authorities and vowed to approach the Supreme Court for justice. They warned that remaining silent in the face of such actions could jeopardise other religious places.