Sambhal MP Criticizes Administration for Declaring Mosque, 80 Homes ‘Illegal’
Zia Ur Rehman Barq accuses local authorities of acting with bias, calls for withdrawal of notices.
Tension is rising in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district after local authorities issued notices declaring a mosque and around 80 houses in the Hatim Sarai area as “illegally constructed” on government land. The district administration claims the buildings stand on land officially recorded as a public pond.
Tehsildar Dhirendra Kumar Singh issued the notice under Section 132 of the U.P. Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, giving residents 15 days to respond. Notices were pasted on several homes, warning of further legal action if occupants failed to reply. The Tehsildar also recommended the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to check for similar land encroachments across the state.
However, Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq has strongly objected to the move. Speaking to The Indian Express, Barq said the administration should focus on serving the public instead of targeting them unfairly.
“Whether the area is 50 or 500 metres from my office, these are my people. If they face injustice, I will stand with them,” Barq said. He added that he is ready to fight for the legal rights of his constituents whenever needed.
Barq alleged that the administration is acting under a “planned conspiracy” and warned that such steps could break public trust in the government. “They seem to be working with a revengeful mindset. I urge the authorities to withdraw these notices immediately,” he said.
Locals have also questioned the administration’s move, pointing out that many of the homes were built with approved building plans and have valid electricity connections. “If our maps were approved and connections were given, how are our homes illegal now?” a resident asked.
Residents are urging the administration to reconsider the decision and have alleged that the action appears to be selectively targeting certain communities.
The matter continues to cause unrest in the area as both residents and local leaders call for justice and transparency.
