Massive Demolition Drive in Ahmedabad Leaves Thousands of Muslims Homeless

A large-scale demolition drive by the Municipal Corporation in a Gujarat city, India, has destroyed over 7,000 Muslim homes, displacing thousands amid scorching weather, the Clarion reported.

The operation, covering over 250,000 sq. km. near Chandola Talab, followed a Gujarat High Court ruling upholding the demolition of allegedly illegal structures on government land. Residents, however, claim to have valid documents and decades of residence.

Earlier, more than 4,000 shanties in Siyasatnagar and Bengali Vaas were also demolished, leaving many homeless. Most affected families are laborers, ragpickers, and migrants from West Bengal and Rajasthan, struggling to find affordable housing.

The drive follows last month’s Pahalgam attack, with authorities citing national security and alleging the presence of Bangladeshi infiltrators. Over 6,500 people, mostly Muslims, were detained for citizenship verification; around 850 were later released.

Critics, including Muslim organizations and human rights groups, condemn the demolitions as inhumane and accuse the government of deliberately harassing Muslims. The Minority Welfare Committee insists the residents are Indian citizens with valid IDs. Concerns grow over the safety and livelihoods of displaced women and children.