- Mumbai officials have demolished 40 shop fronts on Mohammad Ali Road, affecting a significant Muslim commerce hub.
- The demolition occurred amidst a Hindu procession through a Muslim neighbourhood. Human rights groups have condemned this practice, claiming India disproportionately targets India’s Muslim minority.
On January 23, municipal officials executed the demolition of 40 shop fronts on Mohammad Ali Road following minor clashes on January 21 in Mumbai. Mohammad Ali Road, a vital downtown hub for local Muslim commerce, witnessed weekend clashes.
“I cannot fathom why this was done,” expressed Abdul Haseeb Khan, owner of a restaurant affected by the demolition, in a statement to AFP. Khan added, “If they didn’t want these structures here, they should have informed us, and we would have removed it. This is no way to take action.”
In one incident, Hindus chanting religious slogans passed through a Muslim neighbourhood on the outskirts of the mega city. Brutal attacks on Indian Muslims have surged, following processions celebrating the opening of a Hindu shrine built atop the 16th century, Babri mosque, demolished in 1992 by Hindu nationalists.
At least 13 people were reportedly arrested in connection with the incident. A local municipal officer explained, “We were undertaking deep clearing of the road in which some temporary hawkers and so forth were removed.”
Human rights groups have decried the demolition practice, considering it unlawful and a collective punishment disproportionately impacting India’s Muslim minority. In various states governed by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demolition drives have been employed against Muslims, targeting their homes and businesses.
Indian officials maintain the demolitions are lawful, a claim disputed by victims who argue they are not provided the legally required notice period to challenge demolition orders.
