Four days after the area saw communal violence on Hanuman Jayanti, Jahangirpuri in Delhi looks set to be a flashpoint again on Wednesday.
The BJP-run North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has announced it would launch an anti-encroachment drive in Jahangirpuri on Wednesday and Thursday.
The NDMC requested the Delhi Police to deploy at least 400 personnel to maintain law and order. Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta on Tuesday wrote to the NDMC mayor to identify the illegal constructions of “rioters” in Jahangirpuri and demolish it using bulldozers.
News 18 reported the NDMC will use bulldozers to demolish houses of those accused in the violence that occurred in Jahangirpuri on April 16.
The 'bulldozer' drive comes after a similar initiative in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh—which also witnessed communal violence recently—evoked considerable criticism.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at the BJP and also Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on the issue.
He tweeted early on Wednesday “BJP has declared war against the poorest. In the name of encroachment it’s going to destroy homes in Delhi like UP & MP. No notice, no opportunity to go to court, simply punishing poor Muslims for daring to stay alive. @ArvindKejriwal must clarify his dubious role... Is his govt’s PWD part of this “demolition drive”? Did people of Jahingirpuri vote for him for such betrayals & cowardice?! His frequent refrain “police is not in our control” won’t work here There isn’t even a pretence of legality or morality anymore... Hopeless situation.”
AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of trying to spoil the atmosphere during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. He tweeted early on Wednesday “Amit Shah and BJP want to spoil the peaceful atmosphere of Delhi in the month of Ramzan, using MCD, now a new order has been issued to bulldozer in Jahangirpuri in the name of encroachment and harass a particular community. The atmosphere will be bad."
