Government continues campaign against alleged encroachments, Muslim groups seek fair and transparent process
HARIDWAR/DEHRADUN — Fresh questions have emerged in Uttarakhand after authorities demolished another mazar in Haridwar district as part of an ongoing drive against what the government describes as illegal religious structures on public land.
The latest action took place in the Garhmirpur tehsil area on Tuesday, where officials removed a structure said to have been built on land belonging to the irrigation department. The move is part of a wider campaign under the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government, which claims that more than 600 such structures — including mazars, mosques and graveyards — have been cleared so far.
The development has led to concern among Muslim organisations and opposition leaders, who are asking whether the action is being carried out in a fair and balanced manner.
A representative of a local Muslim group said, “We are not against action on illegal structures. But it should be equal for all. There should be clarity on whether similar steps are being taken against every kind of encroachment.”
According to district officials, a notice was issued about a month ago to those managing the mazar, asking them to provide documents related to land ownership and construction. When no satisfactory response was received within the given time, the administration went ahead with demolition.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jitendra Singh said, “All legal procedures were completed before the action. The caretakers had already removed their belongings before the demolition began.”
District Magistrate Mayur Dixit also stated that the action was part of an ongoing effort to free government land from encroachment.
“This is a continuous campaign to remove illegal occupation from public land,” he said. “The law is being applied as per rules.”
However, concerns remain among sections of the Muslim community, who say the scale and focus of the drive have created unease.
A madrasa teacher from the area said, “When actions happen repeatedly against places linked to one community, it creates doubt. People want transparency and equal treatment.”
Opposition leaders have also raised the issue, questioning the intent and implementation of the drive.
An opposition spokesperson said, “Encroachment is a problem across the state. The government must show that its actions are not selective and that all illegal structures are treated the same.”
So far, there has been no public response from the mazar management committee regarding the latest demolition.
The state government, meanwhile, has maintained that the campaign is aimed at protecting public land and preserving the cultural character of the region, especially in areas like Haridwar.
Observers say the situation highlights the need for clear communication and consistent enforcement of the law.
A legal expert said, “If due process is followed and applied equally, such actions stand on firm ground. But if there is any perception of selective targeting, it can raise serious constitutional questions.”
As the demolition drive continues, the focus is likely to remain on how authorities balance administrative action with the need to maintain trust among different communities.
For many residents, the key concern is fairness.
One resident said, “Rules should be the same for everyone. That is what people expect.”
