In a significant development in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, authorities have demolished a portion of the historic Noori Jama Masjid, which is around 180 years old. This action took place on December 10, 2024, amid tight security and has sparked controversy among the mosque’s management and the local community.
What Happened?
The demolition was carried out by local officials using bulldozers to remove parts of the mosque that were deemed to be encroaching on the Banda-Bahraich Highway. The Public Works Department (PWD) had previously issued notices to the mosque committee, stating that certain structures built in the last three years obstructed road widening efforts. Despite receiving two notices—one on August 17 and another shortly before the demolition—the mosque committee failed to act on them.
#WATCH | Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh | Today, the District Administration and PWD’s joint team demolished the illegally constructed portion of Noori Jama Masjid in the village Lalauli.
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) December 10, 2024
The UP government says, “To widen the Bahraich-Banda road (SH-13) of Fatehpur district, PWD is… pic.twitter.com/iOGlIPXyXp
Security Measures
To ensure law and order during the demolition, a heavy police presence was deployed at the site. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were also stationed nearby to prevent any potential unrest. Local authorities closed shops within a 200-meter radius of the mosque and sealed off a larger area to maintain security.
The Mosque’s Historical Significance
The Noori Jama Masjid was constructed in 1839, long before the road was established in 1956. The mosque’s management argues that their structure should not be considered illegal since it predates the road construction. They have also filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court, which is scheduled to hear their case on December 12. The petition claims that demolishing parts of the mosque would cause irreparable harm to both cultural heritage and local communities.
Reactions From The Mosque Committee
The secretary of the Noori Jama Masjid Committee, Syed Noori, expressed strong opposition to the demolition, labeling it as contempt of court since they had already sought legal intervention. He emphasized that this action disregards their rights and threatens a vital part of their religious heritage.
The demolition of part of Noori Jama Masjid has raised concerns about how historical sites are treated in urban planning and development projects. As tensions rise over this issue, many are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds in court and what implications it may have for similar cases across India. The fate of this historic mosque hangs in the balance as both sides prepare for a legal battle over its future.
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