New Delhi: A new report has brought to light the extensive demolition of thousands of Muslim-owned properties, including mosques, across India over the last eight years. The campaign, initially starting in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, has expanded to several other states, raising significant human rights concerns.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the report compiled by human rights organizations notes that the demolitions have occurred in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana. Amnesty International has documented the demolition of 128 structures predominantly owned by Muslims between April and June 2022, including a mosque in Delhi, a madrasa in Uttarakhand, and residential properties in Assam.

The actions have been officially justified as a crackdown on illegal constructions, but critics and observers allege that the demolitions disproportionately target Muslim communities, suggesting a pattern that could amount to targeted discrimination. This assertion has gained traction internationally, prompting scrutiny from various human rights groups.

The Indian Supreme Court has intervened, issuing a temporary ban on these demolitions. This legal pause seeks to address the rising domestic and international alarm over the potential communal bias in the enforcement of construction laws across the country.

The issue continues to be a point of contention, with implications for communal harmony and the rule of law in India’s diverse societal fabric.