Ramnagar: More than 90 Muslim families in Ramnagar’s Puchdi area lost their homes in a pre dawn demolition that took place in freezing temperatures. The operation, carried out by the Uttarakhand administration, raised anger among residents who said they received no notice and no time to prepare.
The demolition began at around 5.30 am. Families woke up to heavy machinery tearing through their homes. Children stood in the cold without warm clothes. Elderly people cried near the rubble. Many searched through debris for school books, utensils and bedding.
The administration said the homes stood on forest department land. Nainital ADM Vivek Rai said the process followed legal rules and notices were issued. Residents denied this and said no written notice reached them. They asked why the action took place only now and why it happened in winter.
Many families said they bought the land from local sellers. Some said they paid two to three lakh rupees and were told the land documents were valid. They asked why an inquiry was not done before the demolition.
Journalists were blocked from entering the area. Police put up barricades and told reporters to stay away. Local reporters said the blockade raised doubts about the administration’s claims.
Residents said the action targeted only Muslim homes. They pointed to nearby Hindu households that were left untouched. Human rights workers, social activists and opposition leaders said the operation showed selective enforcement.
There was no rehabilitation plan. Several lawyers said the demolition ignored constitutional protections. They said evicting people without an alternative shelter in winter violates Supreme Court guidelines.
Families are now living on streets, in lanes and with relatives. Many do not have blankets or warm clothes. A large number want to approach the court but do not have funds. The administration has said the demolition will continue in phases, increasing fear among residents.
