In a fiery response to the escalating Turkman Gate controversy, prominent figure Yasub Abbas has accused authorities of deliberately targeting mosques amid the ongoing demolition drive. The old Delhi neighborhood, once a vibrant hub of history and culture, has become a flashpoint as bulldozers roll in, razing structures deemed illegal.
Abbas, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a community meeting, didn’t mince words. ‘This is not just about encroachments; it’s a calculated assault on our places of worship,’ he declared. Eyewitnesses report that several mosques in the area have been marked for demolition, sparking outrage among residents who view these sites as integral to their identity.
The Turkman Gate area, synonymous with the 1976 Emergency-era demolitions, is witnessing a repeat of history. Back then, thousands were displaced in the name of urban renewal. Today, similar justifications are being cited, but locals argue that selective targeting of religious structures reveals a deeper agenda.
Government officials maintain that the drives are aimed at clearing unauthorized constructions to improve infrastructure and safety. However, Abbas counters that no prior notices were served to mosque committees, and alternative arrangements for worshippers have been ignored.
As tensions simmer, community leaders are calling for judicial intervention. Abbas has urged the minority affairs ministry to step in, warning that such actions could inflame communal sentiments at a sensitive time. With protests gaining momentum, the coming days will test the delicate balance between development and heritage preservation in the national capital.