CAIR calls for US to designate India as ‘country of particular concern’ over demolition of Muslim homes

CAIR calls for US to designate India as ‘country of particular concern’ over demolition of Muslim homes
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The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has urged the US State Department to designate India as a “country of particular concern” following the demolition of over 8,500 Muslim-owned homes in Ahmedabad, TRT Global reported. The demolitions, part of an anti-encroachment drive, have left thousands of Muslim families homeless.

CAIR’s National Executive Director, Nihad Awad, condemned the actions of India’s government, describing it as a far-right Hindutva regime increasingly targeting Indian Muslims. “Violence and ethnic cleansing are becoming more common,” Awad said, calling for US intervention to halt what he described as ongoing violence against Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and other minorities.

Officials claimed the demolitions targeted illegal Bangladeshi migrants, but many affected residents have reportedly lived in the area for decades. Observers noted that the demolitions appeared to disproportionately affect Muslim properties, with several Hindu-owned properties spared.

In recent years, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified measures perceived as targeting the Muslim community. In April, controversial amendments to Waqf legislation sparked protests and legal challenges, as critics argued the changes would increase state control and allow non-Muslims to join Waqf boards for the first time.

India’s Muslim population numbers approximately 200 million, about 14% of the total population. Many face discrimination, hate crimes, and social marginalization within the caste system. The ongoing demolitions have raised concerns about collective punishment and religious targeting.