AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly condemned the recent demolition drive in Dwarka, Gujarat, claiming that it was a targeted attack on Muslim places of worship and cemeteries.
In a post on X, Owaisi pointed out that these sites, including dargahs and burial grounds, were officially recognised in government records and the demolitions were carried out in violation of Supreme Court orders. "The demolitions in Dwarka, Gujarat were targeted against Muslims, their places of worship & qabrasthans. They were in brazen violation of Supreme Court orders. The demolished qabrasthans & dargah were recognised as such in government records. The government never challenged their status & the recent demolitions happened without following principles of natural justice. This is highly condemnable. The demolitions also prove why the Modi government wants to amend the Waqf Bill and weaken protections against Waqf," the AIMIM chief said further. Many encroachments were removed in various areas of Devbhoomi Dwarka district from January 18 to 25 at three religious places. Gujarat High Court will hear the petition filed by the Waqf Board on February 4, regarding the mega demolition drive that lasted several days. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi also posted on X about the demolition drive. "DevBhoomi Dwarka! The 7 islands of Dwarka district are NOW 100% encroachment-free! A total of 36 illegal structures have been successfully removed from the seven islands. Kudos to the Administration and team for their dedication and commitment to preserving our cultural heritage!" The pulled down, allegedly illegal structures are believed to have sprung up over the last five to ten years on certain islands, visiting which require prior permission from the concerned authority. (ANI)
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