– Zaina Aman
Amnesty International, the renowned international non-governmental organization dedicated to human rights, has issued a strong condemnation against the widespread and unlawful demolitions of Muslims’ homes, businesses, and places of worship. The organization, headquartered in the United Kingdom, has called for an immediate halt to these demolitions, which reportedly involve the use of JCB bulldozers and other heavy machinery.
In two complementary reports named “If You Speak Up, Your House Will Be Demolished: Bulldozer Injustice in India” and “Unearthing Accountability: JCB’s Role and Responsibility in Bulldozer Injustice in India,” the human rights organization has meticulously documented instances of “punitive demolition” targeting Muslim properties across at least five states. The reports shed light on the alarming trend of using JCB-branded bulldozers or diggers as the preferred machinery in a systematic hate campaign against the minority community.
The flagrant disregard for accountability was glaringly apparent in the demolitions witnessed in Mumbai’s Mira Road following a violent outbreak by a Hindu mob targeting Muslim residents during a Ram Temple Rally last month. Additionally, this month saw the destruction of the historic 600-year-old Akhunji Masjid in Mehrauli, which was completely razed to the ground.
Amnesty International has urged both the central and state governments to promptly cease the de facto practice of using home demolitions as a form of extrajudicial punishment, emphasizing the importance of preventing homelessness resulting from forced evictions. Additionally, the rights group has called for fair compensation to be provided to all individuals impacted by these demolitions and for accountability to be upheld by ensuring those responsible for these violations are held to task.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, condemned the unlawful demolition of Muslim properties, denouncing it as “bulldozer justice” perpetuated by political figures and the media. She described the displacement and dispossession resulting from these actions as deeply unjust, illegal, and discriminatory, emphasizing that they are tearing apart families and must cease immediately. Callamard stressed the urgent need to address these human rights abuses.
Additionally, Amnesty International has engaged in communication with officials representing the JCB brand regarding the concerning matter.
