NEW DELHI/HARDOI — Tensions have escalated in the Mallawan area of Hardoi district after local authorities demolished a decades-old Muslim cemetery, citing claims that the land belongs to a Hindu religious site. The action has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in Uttar Pradesh, particularly as it follows earlier moves against mosques, madrasas, and Eidgahs. Many see the demolition as part of a broader pattern of targeting under the Yogi Adityanath-led government.
The cemetery, located in Nevada Paras village, had reportedly been in use for over 15 years. Members of the local Muslim community claim they have been burying their dead at the site with the verbal approval of the village head (Pradhan), who they say permitted its use as a burial ground years ago.
However, acting on a recent complaint from members of the Hindu community, local authorities responded swiftly. The complainants alleged that the Muslim community had encroached on land belonging to the “Laalta Baba Dev Sthan,” a Hindu place of worship. Based on these claims, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Poonam Bhaskar ordered the removal of the cemetery’s signboard and boundary pillars.
The operation was carried out under tight security. Naib Tehsildar Yashwant Singh, revenue officials Kanungo Ompal Singh, Lekhpal Ramakant and Police Station Officer Balendra Mishra arrived with a police force. They measured the land and ordered the immediate removal of the board and fencing.
Officials described the site as “barren land belonging to the village society” and claimed that there was no official record of it being allotted for cemetery purposes.
But Muslims in the area have strongly denied these claims. Speaking to reporters, one local resident, Abdul Wahid, said, “We have been burying our dead here for years. The Pradhan gave us this land and we have used it peacefully without dispute. Now suddenly we are told it is not ours.”
Another villager, Shakeel Ahmed, expressed his anger said, “It is very clear. First our mosques were targeted, then madrasas, then our Idgahs, and now even the graveyards are being snatched. Where do you want us to go? Even our dead are not being spared.”
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
