By Team Clarion
BAREILLY — Authorities in this Uttar Pradesh town have demolished a two-storey market belonging to Mohammad Arif, a close associate of influential cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza, in an action that many Muslims in the area say is part of a growing pattern of targeting members of their community after any local disturbance.
The demolition took place on Saturday with officials from the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) arriving at the Pilibhit bypass location with police protection. The market, which had more than two dozen shops and a showroom, had earlier been sealed by the administration.
Several Muslim traders gathered at the spot and expressed anger over the timing and manner of the demolition.
A trader who had a rented shop in the building said, “The administration did not give us a fair chance. They say it is illegal, but this looks like punishment because Arif is seen close to Maulana Tauqeer Raza. This is pressure, not justice.”
Another resident said the continuing use of bulldozers against Muslims has created fear. “Whenever there is any protest, the administration targets Muslim houses and shops. Why are Hindu properties never touched in similar cases?” he asked.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
