Jamaat e Islami Hind Calls for Immediate Halt to Demolition Drives Across India

New Delhi: Senior leaders of Jamaat e Islami Hind addressed a press conference at the organization’s headquarters in New Delhi, expressing concern over several national and international issues, including demolition drives across the country, the US Iran peace agreement, the Rajya Sabha election process, and developments in West Bengal.

JIH Vice President Malik Motasim Khan strongly criticized recent demolition operations in various parts of India, stating that many of them were carried out without following proper legal procedures or ensuring rehabilitation for affected families.

He said demolition drives had recently taken place in Delhi, Bandra, Faridabad, Viramgam, Goregaon, Varanasi, Sambhal, Jaipur, Bhayandar, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Etawah. According to him, several religious structures were demolished in Pimpri Chinchwad after notices were issued, while more than 100 homes in Surat’s Nasir Nagar were demolished over a three day period. He also referred to the demolition of Jaipur’s Noorani Mosque during a road expansion project.

Khan said many families displaced by these actions have been left without adequate shelter or clear rehabilitation plans. He noted that the demolitions carried out during the summer months have already caused significant hardship and warned that the upcoming monsoon season could make conditions even more difficult for those affected.

Calling the actions inhumane, he urged authorities to immediately stop such demolition drives and ensure that every citizen is able to live with dignity and security.

Speaking on international affairs, JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer welcomed the recently announced peace agreement between the United States and Iran. He described the deal as a positive step toward reducing tensions and promoting stability in the region after years of strained relations.

Prof. Engineer said all parties involved should fully implement the agreement and stressed that the international community must ensure accountability if any side violates its commitments. He also expressed hope that improved relations could help ease economic difficulties affecting ordinary people.

He further called on the Government of India to play a more active role in promoting dialogue and peace. At the same time, he voiced solidarity with the people of Iran and urged the global community not to overlook humanitarian concerns in Gaza and Palestine.

On the issue of Rajya Sabha elections, Prof. Engineer expressed concern about what he described as growing questions over the credibility of the electoral process. He referred to allegations of horse trading, misuse of money power, intimidation of legislators, and instances of cross voting.

He also raised concerns about transparency in the nomination process, stating that reports of selective scrutiny and arbitrary decisions have weakened confidence in institutional neutrality. Referring to the rejection of an Opposition candidate’s nomination, he said the development raises serious questions about procedural fairness.

Addressing the situation in West Bengal, APCR National Secretary Nadeem Khan said reports of political pressure, intimidation, and attempts to influence political loyalties were troubling.

He highlighted concerns regarding areas such as Topsia, where demolition notices have reportedly put thousands of residents at risk of displacement. While acknowledging that illegal constructions should be dealt with according to the law, he emphasized that all actions must strictly follow due process and legal safeguards.

The leaders jointly appealed to civil society groups, human rights organizations, and legal experts to take note of these issues and support affected communities. Jamaat e Islami Hind reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and security of all citizens within the framework of India’s Constitution and democratic values.