Online Desk: Amnesty International, a leading global human rights organization, has released two companion reports highlighting widespread unlawful demolitions of Muslim homes, businesses, and places of worship in India. These demolitions, often carried out using JCB bulldozers and other machinery, represent a grave violation of human rights and must cease immediately. This report delves into the details of these violations, their implications, and the urgent need for action to address this systemic injustice.

In recent years, India has witnessed a concerning trend of targeted demolitions of properties belonging to Muslim communities. These demolitions are often conducted without due process or legal justification, resulting in the displacement of thousands of individuals and families. Moreover, the destruction of mosques and other religious sites further exacerbates religious tensions and undermines communal harmony.
Amnesty International’s reports present compelling evidence of the scale and severity of these unlawful demolitions. They document numerous cases across various states in India where Muslim homes, businesses, and mosques have been targeted for demolition by authorities. In many instances, residents are forcibly evicted from their properties, with little to no warning or recourse to legal remedies.
The unlawful demolitions of Muslim properties in India have far-reaching implications for the affected communities and the country as a whole. Beyond the immediate loss of homes and livelihoods, these actions perpetuate a climate of fear and insecurity among minority populations. They also erode trust in the government and the justice system, exacerbating social tensions and hindering efforts towards inclusive development and peacebuilding.
Furthermore, the targeting of religious sites and places of worship constitutes a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief. It undermines India’s secular fabric and threatens the country’s reputation as a pluralistic and democratic society. Left unchecked, these violations could have profound consequences for the stability and cohesion of Indian society.
Amnesty International calls on the Indian government to take immediate action to halt all unlawful demolitions of Muslim properties and places of worship. This includes implementing robust legal safeguards to protect minority rights, ensuring due process in eviction and demolition proceedings, and holding accountable those responsible for human rights abuses.
The reports released by Amnesty International shine a spotlight on the egregious human rights violations occurring in India through the widespread demolition of Muslim properties and places of worship. Urgent action is needed to end these unlawful practices, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. It is imperative that the Indian government takes decisive steps to address these concerns and uphold its obligations under international human rights law.