Uttar Pradesh government’s bulldozer politics targets Muslims again; 53 other Muslim families face similar threats as authorities intensify demolition drive
NEW DELHI – The silence in the narrow lanes of Baskhari Road in Jalalpur town of Ambedkar Nagar District in Uttar Pradesh was shattered again on Thursday as a bulldozer rolled in and tore down the home of 55-year-old Nabi Ahmed, a retired schoolteacher and respected figure in the local Muslim community. The three-storey house, built with years of hard work, savings, and dreams, was reduced to rubble in less than an hour.
This latest demolition comes amidst an ongoing series of bulldozer actions across Uttar Pradesh, where dozens of Muslim homes and businesses have been razed under the pretext of illegal encroachments. The demolition was carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) following a High Court order, which declared the land as government property. But residents and activists say there is more to the story—one that reflects growing fear and discrimination faced by Muslims in the state.
“I spent my entire life building this house. Now I have nothing but the clothes in my bag,” said Nabi Ahmed, standing amidst broken bricks and twisted iron rods that once made up his family home. His voice trembled as he added, “If this is justice, then it has only one eye open. No Hindu homes have been touched here; only we are being targeted.”
The district administration, however, insists the action was lawful and taken in accordance with a high court order. According to officials, the land belonged to the PWD and had been illegally encroached upon.
“This building was constructed without legal approval on government land. We followed all procedures, including giving prior notice to Ahmed. When he failed to remove the structure, we acted as per the court’s directions,” said Santosh Kumar Singh, the Jalalpur Kotwal, who oversaw the demolition along with a team of PWD officials and local police.
Yet locals claim the demolition drive is being carried out selectively and with religious bias. “Everyone here knows there are more than 50 homes in this area that are built near or on government land, but only the homes of Muslims are being demolished,” said 32-year-old Faizan Ali, a local shopkeeper and family friend of Nabi Ahmed.
After Thursday’s action, the PWD issued notices to 53 other families on the Jalalpur-Akbarpur Road, warning them to remove their alleged illegal constructions within two weeks or face similar demolitions. Residents claim the list disproportionately includes Muslim families, further deepening fears that these actions are not merely legal steps, but part of a broader campaign of harassment.
Mohammed Iqbal, whose family also received a notice, said, “We are being threatened without any clear documents. We were never told this land belonged to the government when we purchased it. Now suddenly they are saying we are illegal. Where were the authorities all these years?”
Several residents pointed out that no survey had been conducted and that many families had been living in the area for decades without any objections raised.
“This is not about law; this is about power. They want to break our spirits. If our Hindu neighbours are left untouched, how can this be fair?” asked Aamina Begum, a widow whose house now stands next in line for demolition.
While the high court’s role in the matter has been cited by the district authorities to justify the demolitions, legal experts say the implementation appears to lack consistency.
“Courts may give orders based on the petitions they receive, but it is the administration’s job to act fairly. If only Muslim houses are being targeted, it suggests selective implementation,” said Advocate Firoz Khan, a Lucknow-based human rights lawyer.
A retired PWD engineer, on condition of anonymity, said, “There is a quiet approval from higher-ups for these kinds of actions. If people from the majority community had been involved, the bulldozer would not have moved this fast.”
For many Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, bulldozer actions have come to symbolise not just legal enforcement, but a direct assault on their existence. In many cases, families are not given enough time to collect belongings or seek legal help.
“My daughter’s wedding is planned for next month. All her dowry items were in that house—gone now. They didn’t even let us remove our things,” Nabi Ahmed’s son, Imran, said while fighting back tears. “What message is the government sending us? That we don’t belong in our own country?”
Several civil society groups and opposition leaders have condemned the action. The Uttar Pradesh chapter of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat released a statement saying: “Such demolition drives without fair hearings are nothing short of collective punishment. These are homes, not illegal stalls. We demand an immediate halt to these bulldozer politics targeting Muslims.”
Despite growing criticism, the state government has remained silent. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has previously praised bulldozer actions as symbols of justice and discipline, has not responded to concerns of communal bias.
Muslim residents in Ambedkar Nagar now live in fear, unsure when the bulldozer might come for them. “We keep our ears open every morning, dreading the sound of engines,” said Shamshad Alam, a resident who lives close to the demolished house. “Even our children are scared of bulldozers now. They think it is a machine made to destroy Muslims.”
Interestingly, while smaller Muslim groups have spoken out, mainstream opposition parties have largely avoided taking a strong stand. A local Samajwadi Party leader said off the record: “We want to raise this issue but there’s always the risk of being labelled ‘pro-Muslim’ by the ruling party and its supporters.”
This silence has left the affected people feeling isolated. “When Hindu families face injustice, there is an uproar. When we face it, there is only silence,” said Farzana Khatoon, a retired nurse and resident of Jalalpur.
Nabi Ahmed and others have said they will challenge the demolition in court again, demanding compensation and a stay on future demolitions.
“Our Constitution gives us the right to shelter, the right to be heard, the right to dignity. Why are we being denied all of this?” asked Advocate Shakeel Ahmed, who has offered to fight the case free of cost.
Meanwhile, the debris of Nabi Ahmed’s house lies on the side of Baskhari Road—a silent reminder of a system that many believe has turned against them.
The local Muslim community has come together to help the affected family, offering temporary shelter, food, and moral support. But with over 50 more homes on the line, resources are stretched thin.
“It is like we are fighting a war in our own country, but with no weapons and no voice,” said 23-year-old Tahira, a student and community volunteer.
Even humanitarian groups fear retaliation if they speak out. One local NGO member said, “We want to help, but we have been warned to stay away or face legal problems ourselves.”
As bulldozers continue to move through lanes and alleys of Uttar Pradesh, tearing down homes and hopes, questions are being raised not just about legality, but about humanity.
Is the law being used as a shield for hate? Are Indian Muslims being treated as equal citizens or as second-class residents?
“The courts need to wake up. Parliament needs to speak. Our voices must be heard,” said Nabi Ahmed in a soft voice as he stood next to the broken wall that once held his daughter’s wedding photo.
With 53 more notices already issued, and no sign of slowing down, the people of Jalalpur wait—scared, angry, and unsure—of what tomorrow may bring.
