The demolition of a mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex in Uttar Pradesh has drawn criticism from Muslim religious leaders and RJD MP Manoj Jha, who questioned the manner in which the structure was removed.
Maulana Sajid Rashidi, speaking to IANS, described the demolition as a “stigma” on the Constitution and questioned the decision to demolish the mosque during the night.
“The way the mosque has been demolished, it is a ‘stigma’ on the Constitution,” Rashidi said.
He claimed that land records still carried the names of Yakub Khan and Waheed Khan and alleged that the mosque was demolished while people connected to the issue were under house arrest.
Sajid Rashidi Questions Lack of Time for Appeal
Rashidi alleged that the authorities acted before the mosque committee could pursue further legal remedies.
He claimed that Muslims had 22 days remaining to approach the High Court but were not given sufficient time. He also alleged that the demolition was carried out for political reasons and accused the administration of hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims.
Rashidi further called for action against the Saharanpur SSP if the officer was found to have acted without impartiality.
Yasoob Abbas Calls Demolition ‘Regrettable’
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, also expressed concern over the demolition.
“It is a matter of great regret,” Abbas said, claiming that the mosque had existed since the 18th century.
He alleged that there had been a stay order related to the property, which was later rejected by the Saharanpur administration before the mosque was demolished using bulldozers.
Abbas said religious places, including temples, mosques, gurdwaras, imambaras and churches, provide people with places for spiritual peace.
“Until now, no one had any complaints or problems with this mosque,” he said.
Manoj Jha Raises Question Over Democracy
RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha compared the controversy with recent concerns over the demolition of a century-old temple in Pakistan.
“Recently a 100-year-old temple was demolished and vandalized in Pakistan and we all expressed deep concern over it. Who should we talk to? What’s going on here?” Jha said.
He questioned how India could project itself as a vibrant democracy in South Asia amid such controversies.
“How can we claim across South Asia that India is a vibrant democracy?” he asked.
