Officials of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) faced strong resistance as they attempted to proceed with the demolition drive in Akbar Nagar, a predominantly Muslim settlement in the Uttar Pradesh capital city.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the op-eration, which began earlier this week, aimed at clearing “illegal” constructions along the Ayodhya Road and now includes plans to redevelop the area into a riverfront akin to the one built on Gomti.
The situation escalated dramatically as LDA officials moved towards Hanzala Yunus Masjid for demolition, prompting a vehement outcry from residents and scholars present at the site. An altercation ensued between the police, LDA officials, and the protesting crowd, leading to heightened tensions, reports reaching here said on Thursday.
Witnesses reported that police threatened to use force to disperse the protesters, resulting in the LDA temporarily halting its operations targeting religious sites.
Rita Valmiki, a resident affected by the demolition, expressed distress over the sudden displacement. “The temporary housing provided to us is inadequate for storing our belongings”, he added.
Another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, voiced concerns about the changing demographics in Bhikumpur, where Akbar Nagar is located, suggesting a significant shift in population dynamics.
The demolition drive, spearheaded by LDA official Mani Tripathi, has seen significant infrastructure being razed, including more than 50 houses on Tuesday alone, following the demolition of about 45 houses near Kukrel Nala a day earlier. The operation is being conducted in two sessions daily, closely monitored by drone cameras.
In Akbar Nagar I and Akbar Nagar II, the LDA’s action threatens three mosques — Medina Masjid, Hanzla Yunus Masjid, and Muhammadiya Masjid — and three madrassas namely Ahl-e-Sunnah Nur-ul-Islam, Khadim Uloom, and Jamia Fatima Al-Zahra.
These religious structures, along with several temples in the settlement, have become focal points of contention amidst accusations that Muslim communities are disproportionately targeted by such demolition drives under government policies.
Local sentiment reflects a mix of anger, fear, and panic as residents face the imminent loss of homes and community spaces. The LDA justifies its actions by declaring the entire settlement illegal.—KMS
