GROUND REPORT

Ghazala Ahmad | Clarion India

More than 50,000 Muslim residents of Haldwani, Uttarakhand, are on the verge of getting homeless following the Uttarakhand High Court’s order to demolish the homes of approximately 4,000 Muslim families in Banbhoolpura area claiming it as ‘encroachments’ and ‘railway land’.

Locals claim the court’s order is politically motivated and is being done to reduce Muslim votes in the state. They also term it as a targeted attack on their Muslim identity.

People say they won’t leave their homes come what may; they are even ready to die. All these families believe in the country’s justice system and are pinning hopes on the Supreme Court to protect them. The apex court will hear a petition challenging the High Court’s order on 5th January.