NEW DELHI/SAHARANPUR — The district administration in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh has issued notices to six mosques in Deoband tehsil as part of an action against religious structures allegedly built on government land. The move has caused concern among locals, who fear that places of worship used for decades could face demolition if a solution is not found.
According to officials, a survey identified eleven cases involving mosques, madrasas and mazars that are alleged to have been constructed on government land. Notices have so far been issued in six cases, while the remaining five are still under consideration.
The administration has directed the concerned parties to remove the alleged unauthorised structures within 15 days. Officials have stated that if no action is taken within the stipulated period, the administration may proceed further in accordance with the law and take possession of the land.
The development has drawn attention across the region, particularly among Muslim residents who say the affected structures have served local communities for many years and are closely linked to their religious life.
One of the structures that has received a notice is the Madina Mosque in Pandoli village under Nagal police station limits. Locals say the mosque stands on khadar land and was built around 35 years ago.
Villagers said the site was previously used as a dumping ground where people threw rubbish. According to residents, the mosque was constructed by local people in an effort to keep the area clean and prevent further dumping.
“For more than three decades, nobody raised any objection. People have been offering prayers here peacefully for years,” a resident said.
Residents say the mosque has become an important part of village life and holds deep emotional value for the community.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
