Lucknow, A large-scale demolition operation led by the Uttar Pradesh government has resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents, predominantly Muslims, in Lucknow’s Akbar Nagar locality, amid a significant deployment of forces.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) initiated the demolition with heavy machinery and personnel, impacting over 25,000 people. This move is part of a purported “Riverfront Project” which critics claim disproportionately affects Muslim communities in the area, who are largely daily wage earners.
The demolitions have sparked significant distress among the residents, with some attempting to resist the bulldozers. A viral video plea from a young resident to Indian political leaders has brought additional attention to their plight. Civil society members and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized the demolitions as targeted violence and extrajudicial punishment against minorities, urging an immediate halt to these actions.
The ongoing situation reflects a broader trend reported by the Housing and Land Rights Network, noting substantial demolitions and displacements across BJP-ruled states, with a significant impact on Muslim properties and communities.