Sambhal, UP : A mosque and 34 surrounding houses in Waris Nagar, Chandausi, Uttar Pradesh, are under threat of demolition as local authorities claim they were built on municipal land without authorization. The move has sparked tensions in the region, with residents and community leaders questioning the legality and timing of the action, reported the Hindustan Times.
According to Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) Rajendra Pensia, the structures were erected illegally on six bighas of government land. “These constructions lack proper ownership documentation and were built without permission,” Pensia stated, justifying the potential demolition under anti-encroachment laws.
However, local residents strongly contest these claims, asserting that they purchased their properties legally, unaware of any land disputes. “The land was sold multiple times over the years. If it was illegal, why did the authorities allow these transactions?” questioned a resident. The mosque’s imam also criticized the authorities, arguing that those who permitted the construction should be held accountable instead of punishing innocent families.
The demolition notice has ignited fears of targeted action against Muslim properties, especially in light of the recent controversial survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. Many see the move as part of a broader pattern of selective enforcement, disproportionately affecting Muslim settlements.
Community leaders and activists are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the legality of the structures before any action is taken. “Demolitions without due process undermine communal harmony and deepen social divisions,” a legal expert stated. They emphasized the need for legal mechanisms to resolve land ownership disputes rather than resorting to bulldozer tactics.
The district has witnessed heightened tensions since November 2024, when clashes erupted over a court-ordered survey of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid. The incident led to casualties and a surge in communal unrest, further complicating the current situation.
As authorities deliberate on the final decision, residents of Waris Nagar remain in uncertainty, fearing the loss of their homes and a place of worship. Activists and political groups are closely monitoring developments, warning that any hasty action could lead to widespread unrest.
