Gadhiyan villagers say they are trying to rebuild the place of worship after an earlier demolition carried out over a land dispute
KUSHINAGAR — Tension has resurfaced in a village in Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh after authorities halted the construction of a new mosque, just months after an older mosque and an adjoining Eidgah were demolished over a land dispute.
The latest development comes from the Gadhiyan area in the Tamkuhi Raj region, where local Muslims had started building a new mosque after the earlier structure was removed. The work has now been stopped by the administration, citing a lack of official permission.
According to police and revenue officials, the construction was being carried out without the required approvals. The action followed a complaint submitted by a local individual, after which a team visited the site and ordered an immediate halt to the work.
A police official said, “The construction was found to be without proper permission. As per the rules, the work has been stopped and further legal action is being taken.”
The administration has also registered a case of alleged illegal construction against Islam Ansari, who is said to be associated with the building of the new mosque.
However, locals say the situation is not as simple as it appears. They point out that the earlier mosque and Eidgah, which stood in the same village, were removed only a few months ago after authorities declared them to be on government land.
That structure, known locally as the Gadhiyan Mosque, was said to be nearly 20 years old. Following official orders, villagers themselves dismantled it to avoid further penalties.
A resident of the village said, “We removed our own mosque when the government told us it was on public land. It was painful, but we followed the order.”
After the demolition, community members began efforts to build a new mosque at another location. According to them, this was meant to restore a place of worship for the local Muslim population.
One villager said, “We do not have any place left to offer prayers together. That is why we started building a new mosque. Now that has also been stopped.”
Residents say the sudden halt has left them confused and worried. They claim that they are being prevented from rebuilding, even after complying with earlier orders.
A local elder said, “First, we were told to remove the old mosque, and we did. Now, when we try to build a new one, it is stopped again. People are feeling helpless.”
Officials, however, maintain that any construction—religious or otherwise—must follow due process. They say permission from the relevant authorities is necessary before starting such work.
A revenue department official explained, “There are clear rules for construction. If someone wants to build any structure, they must obtain proper approval. This applies to everyone.”
The case has also drawn attention to the role of complaints in triggering administrative action. According to reports, the latest halt came after a complaint was filed regarding the construction.
Some residents say this has created a situation where any objection can stop work, even if the matter is not fully examined.
A local youth said, “If anyone can file a complaint and stop construction, then how will people complete any work? There should be proper checking before taking action.”
Legal experts say that such cases often depend on land ownership records and permissions. They note that disputes over land and construction are common in both rural and urban areas.
One legal advisor said, “If the land is not clearly approved for construction, authorities are within their rights to stop the work. At the same time, affected parties can approach the courts for relief.”
For the Muslim residents of the village, the issue is not only legal but also linked to their daily religious life. Without a mosque, many say they are forced to travel to nearby areas for prayers.
A resident said, “For daily prayers and Friday prayers, it becomes difficult, especially for elderly people. A local mosque is very important for us.”
Women in the village also expressed concern. One resident said, “Our men go far for prayers now. Earlier, everything was nearby. Life has become harder after the demolition.”
The broader concern among locals is about continuity. Many feel that repeated interruptions—first demolition and now construction halt—have left the community without stability.
At the same time, some residents from other communities in the area have supported the need for following the rules. One villager said, “Everyone should follow the law. If permission is needed, it should be taken before building anything.”
The administration has not yet indicated whether the construction can resume after obtaining the required approvals. For now, the site remains inactive, with building materials lying unused.
Community members say they are considering legal options. Some are planning to approach the authorities again with documents, while others may seek court intervention.
A local representative said, “We will try all legal ways. People need a place to pray, and this matter should be resolved fairly.”
The situation highlights a wider challenge faced in many areas, where questions of land ownership, permissions and community needs often come into conflict.
For now, the people of Gadhiyan village remain in a state of uncertainty. The mosque they hoped would restore normalcy has become the centre of a new dispute, leaving many to wonder when a lasting solution will be found.
As one resident put it, “We only want a peaceful solution where everyone’s rights are respected. That is all we are asking for.”
