Indian authorities demolish historic mosque in Gujarat
Muslim organization says authorities razed mosque without prior notice and plans court challenge over demolition and wider bulldozer campaign
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Authorities have demolished a historic mosque in India’s western state of Gujarat, prompting one of the country’s largest Muslim organizations to prepare a legal challenge amid allegations that the structure was razed without prior notice.
The demolition targeted the Juna Kunda Mosque in Gujarat’s Kutch district, where authorities have recently carried out a broader bulldozer campaign against structures they describe as unauthorized. According to local residents and the Muslim organization Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, the mosque was demolished on June 29 without advance notice to its management.
Residents said the mosque, located in the Gandhidham area, was known for its historical significance and distinctive architecture. Mohammad Samar, the mosque’s president, alleged that authorities used bulldozers to demolish the structure despite it having been recorded in official waqf land records since 1965.
Following the demolition, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind dispatched a high-level delegation led by its general secretary, Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, to inspect the site and meet local residents, mosque officials and lawyers. The delegation was sent on the instructions of the organization’s president, Maulana Mahmood Madani.
The organization said it would provide legal assistance to affected residents and challenge the demolition in court, arguing that authorities must follow due legal procedures before taking action against registered religious properties.
Jamiat leaders said that if a mosque, shrine or other religious site is legally recorded under waqf records, administrative authorities are required to follow established legal procedures and principles of natural justice before carrying out any demolition. They also noted that India’s Supreme Court has previously emphasized the need for caution in disputes involving religious places.
Residents further alleged that police prevented community members from protesting during the demolition and removed people from the area as the operation was carried out.
According to local residents, nearly 30 structures have been demolished in the area, including commercial buildings associated with religious sites and several residential properties.
The delegation said it would soon meet district officials to seek documents related to the demolition and examine whether the action complied with legal requirements.
It also said Kutch has a long-established Muslim community with historic mosques, shrines and other religious sites, making adherence to due process essential in matters affecting places of worship.
The demolition adds to a growing number of cases in which mosques, shrines, homes and businesses linked to Muslims have been bulldozed in different parts of India.
Authorities typically describe the structures as unauthorized, but Muslim organizations and human rights advocates have repeatedly argued that the drives disproportionately target the community and are carried out without adequate legal safeguards or due process.
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