India demolishes 537 Muslim religious sites in BJP-ruled state
Latest demolition of tombs in Uttarakhand deepens concerns over rising anti-Muslim actions under BJP government in India’s northern Himalayan state
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — In India’s Hindu-majority state of Uttarakhand, a state-led campaign has demolished 537 Muslim religious sites in the span of a year — including tombs, madrasas, and shrines. The demolitions are being carried out under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), drawing accusations of religious persecution and attempts to erase Islamic heritage under the guise of enforcing land laws.
The latest incident occurred in the city of Kashipur, where five Muslim tombs were razed at dawn by bulldozers, accompanied by heavy police presence.
The shrines, considered sacred by local Muslims, were torn down without court orders — further fueling concerns that this campaign is less about legality and more about asserting majoritarian dominance through state machinery.
According to Clarion India, these demolitions form part of a broader effort led by Hindu nationalist Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has publicly described Uttarakhand as “Devbhoomi,” or “land of the gods,” and warned against what he calls “demographic change” through religious encroachment.
“These tombs have been here for decades. My grandfather and father used to clean and look after them. They were part of our identity,” said Mohammad Rizwan, a resident of Kundeshwari. “Why didn’t the government talk to us properly or give us a chance? This is not justice, this is punishment for being Muslim.”
Local authorities insisted that notices had been issued prior to the demolitions. “We had given a 15-day notice to the caretakers, asking them to produce documents proving ownership or permission,” said Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abhay Pratap Singh. “They failed to do so, so we took action under the law.”
But community leaders question the consistency of the law’s application. “Do they ask for documents from every Hindu temple or shrine in this state? Or only from Muslims?” asked Maulana Qasim of the Jama Masjid in Kashipur.
Across Uttarakhand, activists say numerous unauthorized Hindu temples have been constructed on public land — including in forests, riverbanks, and sidewalks — yet none have been demolished. “In Dehradun alone, over 300 temples occupy public land,” said Rehan Siddiqui, a human rights researcher. “This campaign is not about rules. It’s about religion.”
The use of bulldozers has become a political symbol in BJP-ruled states, often celebrated by supporters as a display of strong governance. But critics say it circumvents courts, ignores legal protections, and turns governance into a tool of intimidation.
“Today it’s a tomb. Tomorrow it could be your house,” said political science professor Faizan Ahmad. “This is not justice. This is collective punishment.”
In Kashipur, many Muslims now live in fear. “We don’t feel safe anymore,” said Bilal Khan, a shopkeeper. “This bulldozer is not just a machine — it’s a message.”
Civil rights groups have petitioned the National Commission for Minorities to investigate the demolitions.
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