A recent demolition of the 25-year-old Subhaniya Mosque in Maharashtra has ignited widespread protests among the local Muslim community. Citing illegal encroachments, local authorities used heavy machinery to partially demolish the mosque, despite the mosque committee’s insistence that all legal documents were in order. Efforts by the Imam and committee members to present the necessary paperwork were reportedly ignored, leading to heightened tensions in Dharavi, Mumbai.
On Saturday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated the demolition, triggering protests from hundreds of local residents who blocked roads and chanted slogans against the authorities. “The demolition is unjust,” expressed one protestor, reflecting the frustrations of many who felt targeted by the action. The situation remained tense for over two hours before BMC officials agreed to halt the demolition temporarily, after mosque trustees provided an undertaking.
Read More: Minor Petrol Price Increase Expected Amid Diesel Drop for October 2024
Political Involvement and Further Threats
The incident gained political traction when Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad intervened, meeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Gaikwad reported a “positive conversation” with the Chief Minister, who assured her that the demolition would be halted. Despite this assurance, BMC officials later warned that they would return in eight days to continue the demolition, adding to the uncertainty and anxiety in the local Muslim community.
A heavy police presence was deployed to manage the protests and prevent further escalation. However, many residents fear the return of authorities and question the legality and motivations behind the demolition. “This is more than just about encroachments; it’s about our identity and rights,” stated one mosque committee member, highlighting the broader concerns of religious targeting.
Wider Pattern of Religious Discrimination
The partial demolition of the Subhaniya Mosque is not an isolated event. It falls within a troubling trend of demolitions targeting Muslim-owned properties in India. According to Amnesty International, between April and June 2022 alone, 128 structures, mostly owned by Muslims, were razed. Notable cases include a mosque in Delhi, a madrasa in Uttarakhand, and several homes in Assam. More recently, a 16th-century mosque in Prayagraj was demolished under a road-widening project, adding to a growing list of religious structures targeted for destruction.
Critics argue that these demolitions, often justified under the pretext of removing illegal constructions, disproportionately affect Muslim communities. In 2021, a 100-year-old mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district was demolished, further stoking concerns of discrimination. Amnesty International’s reports highlight this as part of a broader pattern of marginalization under the current government’s policies, raising fears of rising communal tensions.
Impact and Future Outlook
As the local Muslim community braces for the possibility of further demolitions, the Subhaniya Mosque incident has reignited debates over religious tolerance in India. “It feels like an attack on our community,” one resident stated, underscoring the emotional and cultural impact of these demolitions.
While the mosque’s trustees continue to fight for its preservation, the incident has left many questioning the future of religious freedom in the region. With protests intensifying and political interventions proving uncertain, the situation in Dharavi reflects a larger national issue of growing intolerance and targeted actions against minority groups.