Muslim families face displacement as India bulldozes Haryana settlements

NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Indian authorities demolished structures in two residential colonies in a Muslim-majority neighborhood of Haryana state on Tuesday, leaving families facing displacement and prompting accusations of religious discrimination from residents who said officials refused to examine their property documents.

The demolition took place in the Patti area of Sonipat district, near Rishikul World Academy, where bulldozers were deployed to clear settlements spread across approximately 3.7 acres of land, according to Clarion India.

Officials from the District Town Planner Department demolished a boundary wall, 10 damp-proof courses, which form part of building foundations, and several unpaved roads, claiming the colonies had been developed without government authorization.

However, Muslim residents disputed the government’s claims, insisting they possessed valid documents and accusing authorities of targeting their community.

“We have all the documents, but the government is neither willing to examine them nor accept them. Our only fault is that we are Muslims. Where are we supposed to go?” resident Naushad Alam said.

Another resident, Farida Bano, said the demolition had left families without shelter and uncertain about their future.

“We have become homeless. Where will we go now? Where will we take our children? This is sheer injustice. We are being punished for being Muslims,” she said.

District Town Planner R. T. Sharma defended the operation, saying the department was acting against unauthorized residential developments and would continue monitoring similar settlements across the district.

He warned that purchasing land in unapproved colonies carried financial risks because such areas often lacked government-provided infrastructure, including drinking water, electricity, sewage systems and paved roads.

Sharma also threatened criminal cases against individuals involved in developing unauthorized colonies.

The demolition comes amid growing concerns over the use of bulldozers against Muslim homes, businesses and neighborhoods in India, where demolition drives have increasingly become associated with punitive actions against marginalized communities.

Rights organizations have criticized the use of demolitions as a form of collective punishment, particularly when authorities act without adequate notice, legal safeguards or opportunities for affected residents to challenge government claims.