Punjab and Haryana High Court Raises Concerns Over Demolitions in Nuh District
In a recent development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court in India has questioned whether the recent demolitions in the Nuh district of Haryana constitute ethnic cleansing. The properties, consisting of more than 300 homes, businesses, and roadside shanties, were primarily owned by Muslims.
The court expressed its concerns regarding the demolitions, noting that they were carried out without following legal procedures or issuing prior notices to the property owners. This has raised questions about the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Haryana, which has faced criticism for bulldozing properties owned by mainly Muslim suspects in cases of violence and political dissent.
Human rights groups and experts have also expressed similar concerns about the potential for genocide against Muslims in India, and the court’s questioning supports these worries. This alarming development follows a call for the genocide of Muslims by a group of Hindu religious leaders and public remarks made by BJP leaders, which threatened the Muslim community.
The recent violence in Haryana was sparked by a far-right Hindu procession organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal, which took place in Nuh. Participants in the procession were armed with weapons and raised anti-Muslim slogans as they marched through Muslim neighborhoods.
As a result of this violence, numerous homes, shops, and shanties were bulldozed, and over 150 individuals, mostly Muslims, were arrested on charges of participating in the violence. The tension and violence have now spread to other parts of Haryana, with clashes between Hindus and Muslims reported in the Panipat district.
Muslims in the region have accused the BJP of unfair treatment and a targeted hate campaign against them, while the government denies these allegations. Despite the lifting of prohibitory orders in Gurugram, many Muslims still fear for their safety and have chosen to leave towns or seek refuge with friends and relatives in other areas.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s inquiry into the demolitions in the Nuh district highlights the need for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. As tensions continue to rise, it is imperative for the government to prioritize the safety and rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religious background.
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