Srinagar: In a violation of a Supreme Court order, a mosque, dargah, and a graveyard, believed to be over 500 years old, were demolished in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on September 28. This action follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that halted all demolitions across the country unless prior permission is obtained, excluding encroachments on public roads and other specific areas.
Despite this ruling, the Gujarat administration proceeded with the demolition as part of a larger effort to clear out what it labelled as “illegal constructions” near the famous Somnath temple, aiming to facilitate the Somnath Development Project. Reports indicate that around 36 bulldozers and various heavy machinery, including 30 JCBs and 50 tractors, were deployed to carry out this extensive operation, described as the most significant demolition effort in Gir Somnath’s history.
Authorities have mobilized a force of 1,200 police personnel to ensure the operation’s smooth execution, which is overseen by high-ranking officials, including district collectors and police superintendents. The area has been cordoned off to maintain public safety, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
The demolition drive has faced challenges, including the detention of 70 individuals who attempted to obstruct the operation at a religious site. The local government had previously launched an anti-encroachment initiative targeting approximately three hectares of “illegally occupied land” behind the Somnath temple, aiming to remove “unauthorized structures” built without permission.(Muslim Mirror)
