AIMIM said on the bulldozer operation in Turkman Gate area, 'Hundreds of non-Muslim religious places...'

News Topical, Digital Desk : Delhi AIMIM chief Shoaib Jamai has reacted to the encroachment removal in Delhi's Turkman Gate area. He said that the Uttar Pradesh model is being implemented in Delhi. He said that this is blatant discrimination against Muslims. He asked about the hundreds of illegally constructed non-Muslim religious sites in Delhi. When will bulldozers be used to demolish them? The AIMIM leader said that the BJP has turned Delhi into not only the pollution capital but also the capital of hatred.

Tension in the area, heavy security forces deployed

Tension prevailed in the area, and heavy security forces were deployed following violence during an anti-encroachment drive. During the drive to remove encroachments on land adjacent to the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque and a nearby graveyard, some people allegedly pelted police with stones and glass bottles, injuring at least five policemen.

Broken tiles and stones were scattered

On Wednesday, the narrow streets were littered with shuttered shops, fallen scooters, broken tiles, and stones. From rooftops and behind locked metal doors, people could be seen shouting at security personnel deployed throughout the area. Children also watched the scene below from balconies and behind doors, screaming and waving handkerchiefs, but due to the heavy police presence, most residents remained inside their homes.

Children were seen picking up broken rods and loose wires from the roadside and carefully clearing away debris left behind by the operation. The streets were nearly empty, but the marks of violence were clearly visible, with damaged tiles, broken glass, and stones strewn across many areas.   

Movement of all citizens restricted

Additional Delhi Police forces have been deployed in the streets surrounding the mosque, and personnel have been deployed at several locations to prevent any clashes. Barricades have been erected at major entrances, restricting civilian movement. Only police and Delhi Municipal Corporation vehicles are permitted to pass through the area.

Security personnel on constant patrol

Security personnel were continuously patrolling the streets and clearing the area. Several people were seen being escorted from the area in police vehicles. Most shops remained closed, leaving the heavily guarded area deserted.  

A local shopkeeper said he closed his shop as a precaution. Pointing to debris strewn across the street, he said, "We closed everything and stayed inside."

Another local resident said he had lived in the area for 50-60 years and described the land adjacent to the mosque as a graveyard. He said, "This place is nothing but a graveyard. I've seen people buried here for years." The resident said many people were dismayed by the scene. "People are angry about what happened to the graveyard," he said.

A rumour had spread that the mosque was being demolished – auto driver

A local auto driver said that rumors spread on Tuesday that the mosque was being demolished. "In reality, only illegal buildings like shops and other structures were removed," he said. The auto driver said the misinformation caused the sudden panic. "The situation was very bad yesterday (Tuesday), but now it's a little calmer," he said. 

Case registered against unknown persons- Police

An official said that on Wednesday, an FIR was registered against unknown persons and several people were detained in connection with the violence that broke out during the anti-encroachment drive being carried out on the instructions of the Delhi High Court. Around 30 bulldozers and 50 dumpers were deployed, and more than 300 municipal employees and officials were engaged in removing the encroachments declared illegal by the court. Around 100-150 people gathered at the site and clashed with the police before the drive began.

Police used tear gas

Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and reported using mild force against the protesters. According to police, the process of identifying those involved in the stone-pelting incident is underway and an investigation is underway to determine whether the violence was spontaneous or premeditated. Senior officials stated that CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media are being analyzed. Statements from witnesses and those detained are also being recorded as part of the investigation.

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