Muslims in UP express anger over demolition of mosque, calling it part of a growing pattern of targeting religious structures
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The systematic destruction of Muslim places of worship continues unabated in Uttar Pradesh under the Yogi Adityanath government, as a 168-year-old mosque in Meerut was bulldozed to make way for the controversial rapid rail project. The mosque, located on Delhi Road, was deemed an obstacle to the development, with authorities claiming its demolition was necessary for the project’s completion.
The destruction took place on Friday, under heavy police supervision, with the main gate of the mosque being demolished and its electricity connection severed. Authorities insisted that the mosque’s removal was part of the broader plans for the rapid rail network, a project promoted by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
“The mosque had to be removed for the completion of the rapid rail project,” said Ayush Vikram Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP) City, providing justification for the controversial decision. The demolition follows a meeting on Thursday between local authorities, including the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) City, the SP City, and NCRTC officials, who spoke with the mosque’s Imam and other officials.
The move has sparked widespread anger and disbelief among Muslims in the region, many of whom see it as part of a wider trend of targeting Muslim religious properties under the current state government. Several local residents voiced their frustrations, drawing comparisons to the ongoing suppression of Palestinians in Israel.
“This is complete injustice,” said Advocate Sher Afgan, condemning the demolition. Another local worshipper, Sultan Akhtar, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Yogi is bulldozing Muslim properties just like Israel destroys Palestinian structures.”
Shariq Ansar, a local Muslim resident, expressed his despair, remarking, “There is no such thing as law in UP anymore. Decisions are being made by the majority, and UP has become a city of darkness.”
The demolition of the mosque is the latest in a series of incidents that have sparked fears of rising religious intolerance in the state, particularly under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath. Muslims in the region remain anxious, with many fearing that such actions will continue and lead to further marginalisation of their community.
