Old Delhi mosque: An anti-encroachment campaign at the causes tensions
Old Delhi mosque: Early on Wednesday, a pre-dawn demolition campaign to remove suspected illegal encroachments near a mosque sparked demonstrations, stone-throwing, and police action, which temporarily increased tension in several areas of Old Delhi, according to authorities.
After more security personnel were deployed and tear gas was used, the situation was eventually brought under control.
Authorities conducted a late-night anti-encroachment operation at the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate district, near Ramlila Ground. In accordance with directives from the Delhi High Court, the campaign was carried out to remove unauthorized constructions from the property next to the mosque and surrounding regions, according to Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) authorities.
Early on Wednesday morning, a large contingent of police officers and city workers participated in the demolition exercise. According to officials, the operation, which was a component of the MCD’s continuous efforts to eradicate encroachments around the city, included the deployment of 10 to 17 bulldozers.
Many locals gathered outside the mosque as the destruction began, shouting anti-demolition chants.
When some crowd members reportedly tried to break through police barriers and started throwing stones at security guards, the scene quickly became tense. In response, police used tear gas shells to scatter the demonstrators and stop the disturbance from becoming worse.
Senior police officials said that the situation was quickly brought under control and that sufficient personnel had been stationed in and around the area in preparation of resistance. Although security was increased as a precaution, no serious injuries were recorded.
Despite ongoing legal actions about the location, the destruction went forward.
The governing committee of Masjid Syed Elahi filed a plea challenging the MCD’s decision to clear what it described as suspected encroachments from property next to the mosque and a neighboring cemetery at Ramlila Maidan, and the Delhi High Court earlier on Tuesday issued a notice on the matter. On the other hand, municipal officials insisted that the action was compliant with court orders on unapproved development.
Strong resistance to the drive was expressed by locals, who claimed that the destruction was done without sufficient input and would negatively affect the neighborhood. Officials from the community reaffirmed that the operation was legal and intended to recover public land.