The authorities called demolition as part of a state-wide campaign targeting what officials describe as ‘illegal religious structures on government land’. Llocal groups, however, questioned whether the campaign is being implemented in a fair and uniform manner.
NEW DELHI — A Muslim shrine has been demolished in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar district, the latest in a series of actions taken by authorities as part of a state-wide campaign targeting what officials describe as illegal religious structures on government land.
The latest demolition took place in the Garhpur Meer tehsil area of Haridwar, where officials removed a structure allegedly built on land belonging to the irrigation department.
Authorities said the action is part of a broader drive being carried out under the government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. According to official figures, more than 600 structures — including shrines, mosques, and graveyards — have been removed so far.
District officials said a notice had been issued to the caretakers of the shrine about a month earlier, asking them to submit documents related to land ownership and construction. After what officials described as an unsatisfactory response within the stipulated time, the demolition was carried out.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jitendra Singh said, “All legal procedures were followed before the action. The caretakers removed their belongings prior to the demolition.”
District Magistrate Mayur Dixit said the campaign is aimed at clearing encroachments from public land. “This is part of an ongoing effort to remove illegal occupation. Action is being taken as per law,” he said.
However, the move has raised concerns among some local groups and opposition leaders, who have questioned whether the campaign is being implemented in a fair and uniform manner.
A representative of a local Muslim organisation said, “We are not against action on illegal structures, but it should be equal for all. There should be clarity that every encroachment is being treated the same way.”
A teacher from a local madrasa also expressed concern, saying, “When similar actions repeatedly affect sites linked to one community, questions are bound to arise. People want transparency and equal treatment.”
Opposition leaders have also raised the issue, calling for greater clarity on how the campaign is being carried out across the state.
So far, there has been no public response from the shrine management regarding the demolition.
The state government maintains that the drive is intended to protect public land and maintain order, particularly in sensitive areas such as Haridwar. Legal experts say that while such actions are valid if due process is followed, any perception of selective enforcement could raise broader constitutional concerns.
