India: Demolition of the largest mosque in Uttar Pradesh under the pretext of unauthorized construction

The Hindu-Indian authorities demolished one of the largest mosques in the state of Uttar Pradesh, located in the Akbar Nagar area of Lucknow, alleging unauthorized construction.

Hindu Authorities in Uttar Pradesh, the largest Indian state, reported the demolition of over 1,320 structures, including religious buildings, in the area as part of a claimed redevelopment project.

Hindu Officials from the Lucknow Development Authority stated that the demolition of illegal buildings along the Kukrail River had been completed.

They added that approximately 1,169 illegal residential properties and over 100 commercial properties were demolished using heavy machinery, including bulldozers.

The demolition campaign faced strong resistance from members of the Lucknow Development Authority on Tuesday as they attempted to proceed with demolishing buildings in Akbar Nagar, a predominantly Muslim area in the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Independent Indian sources reported that tensions escalated significantly when city officials moved to demolish the “Hanif Yunus” mosque, sparking intense protests from residents and scholars at the site.

Reports today, Thursday, indicated that clashes erupted between police, city officials, and protesting crowds, leading to heightened tensions.

Witnesses reported that police threatened to use force to disperse protesters, leading to a temporary halt to demolition operations targeting Islamic sites.

The demolition campaign reportedly included three mosques: Hanif Yunus Mosque, City Mosque, and Mohammadiah Mosque, as well as three schools: Ahl-e-Sunnat Noor-ul-Islam, Kazim-ul-Uloom, and Fatima Zahra.

Sources in Lucknow stated that these Islamic sites have become focal points of renewed disputes between the Hindu authorities and residents, amid accusations that Muslim communities are specifically targeted by demolition campaigns under Hindu nationalist government policies.

Under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a prominent Buddhist monk known for his anti-Muslim statements, demolition work began to clear illegally encroached 24.5 acres of land in December last year.