AIMIM spokesperson ST Hasan has waded into the controversy surrounding the recent bulldozer operation near a Delhi mosque, declaring both the demolition drive and the retaliatory stone-pelting as misguided and unlawful. His comments, delivered during a press interaction, highlight the growing friction between urban development initiatives and community responses in the city.
Details of the event reveal that municipal teams, backed by heavy police presence, moved in to demolish unauthorized builds around the religious site. What started as a routine clearance turned chaotic when a crowd assembled, pelting stones and forcing officers to use tear gas. The skirmish left a trail of debris and heightened communal anxieties.
‘We cannot justify brute force from the state nor mob violence from the streets,’ Hasan asserted. He called for dialogue-driven solutions, criticizing the AAP government’s approach as provocative. Drawing parallels to similar incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Hasan warned that such tactics erode trust in institutions.
Background checks indicate the structures targeted were built over footpaths and drainage lines, posing safety hazards. Yet, the optics of bulldozers rumbling near a place of worship have fueled accusations of bias. Legal experts note that while Supreme Court guidelines mandate due process for demolitions, implementation often falls short on the ground.
Reactions poured in swiftly. BJP leaders dismissed Hasan’s critique as appeasement politics, while Congress echoed concerns over procedural lapses. Social media erupted with videos of the confrontation, amplifying calls for accountability on all sides.
As the dust settles, questions linger about preventing future escalations. Hasan advocated for community consultations before such drives and stricter policing of violent outbursts. In a city where space is at a premium, balancing development with sensitivity remains a tightrope walk for policymakers.