Locals demolish structure over Muslim shrine in Uttar Pradesh
In BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, local villagers demolished an under-construction structure built on top of a Muslim shrine after civic officials had ordered its removal. The order comes following a complaint by BJP lawmaker Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, who alleged that it was constructed without permission. The police also booked 100 people for their involvement in the construction.
India’s Supreme Court has banned the weaponization of demolitions as collective punishment against Muslims, declaring that any demolitions carried out without proper notice or legal permission amounts to contempt of court.
Hindu militants in Odisha assault truck drivers over cattle transport
In Odisha’s Dhenkanal, Hindu militants from the Bajrang Dal brutally assaulted the driver of a pick-up truck and other men transporting cattle, accusing them of being cow smugglers.
Hindu militant mobs regularly attack Muslims over baseless accusations of committing crimes. These mobs, also known as cow vigilantes, assault and often lynch Muslims accused of transporting cattle or consuming beef.
At least 500 detained in Kashmir after former Indian army soldier gunned down
At least 500 people from different parts of Kashmir were detained by police officials after Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a former army soldier was gunned down by suspected militants in Behibagh village.
Residents of Kashmir’s Kulgam, Anantnag, and Shopian districts were asked to report to their respective police stations. At many places in Kulgam, where the attack took place, security forces also raided the houses of some suspects who were later detained for questioning.
BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh government to shut down 90 madrasas
The Hindu supremacist BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh government has called for the closure of 90 madrasas in Bahraich district, raising concerns over the targeting of minority institutions. Though the move is attributed to non-compliance with government regulations, Muslim leaders say that the decision reflects an attempt to suppress educational institutions serving the Muslim community.
Last year, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a biometric attendance system for the madrasa Board to “supervise” and “check” alleged “terrorist links” of young students, who are just in the early phase of education. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also declared to close more than 16,000 madrasas.
