New Delhi: Senior leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) addressed a press conference at the JIH headquarters highlighting concerns over demolition drives, the recently announced US–Iran peace agreement, the integrity of the Rajya Sabha elections and post-election situation in West Bengal.
Addressing the media, the Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Malik Motasim Khan strongly condemned the ongoing demolition drives in Delhi for being carried out without due legal procedure and proper rehabilitation plans. He described such actions as grossly inhumane and a violation of fundamental rights and human dignity.
Malik Moatasim Khan said, “In the last few weeks, demolition drives were carried out in Delhi, Bandra, Faridabad, Viramgam (Gujarat), Goregaon (Maharashtra), Varanasi, Sambhal, Jaipur, Bhayandar, PCMC, Etawah, etc. In Pimpri Chinchwad, authorities issued notices to multiple religious structures and demolished several during a late-night operation. In Surat’s Nasir Nagar, 106 houses were demolished over three days, and in Jaipur, Noorani Mosque was demolished as part of a road-widening project.”
He added, “Many affected families have been left without adequate shelter and with no clarity on rehabilitation. Demolitions during the extreme summer have already caused hardship, and the monsoon is likely to worsen the situation. The Supreme Court has stressed that evictions must not be carried out without proper rehabilitation.”
He demanded that the authorities immediately halt demolition drives and ensure a dignified life for each and every citizen of the country. Addressing the US–Iran peace agreement, JIH Vice President Prof Salim Engineer said, “Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) welcomes the recently announced peace agreement between the United States and Iran and expresses hope that all agreed-upon provisions will be implemented in both letter and spirit by all concerned stakeholders. Given the long-standing tensions between the two countries, this agreement is an important step towards reducing conflict and bringing stability in the region.” He further stated, “We also expect that the mediators and the international community will ensure that the agreement is not violated. In case of any violation, there must be fair and firm action against those responsible, irrespective of their political, military, or economic strength. This development is likely to ease economic pressures and provide some relief to ordinary people affected by rising prices, unemployment, and financial stress. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind hopes that the Government of India will play a more proactive role in promoting peace and dialogue. At the same time, we express our solidarity with the people of Iran and acknowledge their resilience. It is also important that the international community does not ignore ongoing injustices, particularly issues related to war crimes and humanitarian violations in Gaza and Palestine.”
On the issue of Rajya Sabha elections Prof. Salim Engineer said, “Recent trends have raised disturbing questions about the credibility of the election process. Allegations of horse-trading, money power, intimidation of legislators, and cross-voting have become recurring features.” He further stated, “Reports of arbitrary decisions, selective scrutiny, and lack of transparency in nominations have raised serious doubts about institutional neutrality. The recent rejection of a Rajya Sabha candidate’s nomination belonging to the Opposition, reportedly for the first time in its history, puts a question mark on procedural fairness and sets a dangerous precedent.”
Speaking on the situation in West Bengal, APCR National Secretary Nadeem Khan said, “There are many reports of attempts to forcibly and coercively shift political loyalties, break opposition parties, and incidents of street-level violence against political opponents, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and coercion.” He added, “The situation in areas such as Topsia is particularly alarming, where demolition notices have placed thousands at risk of displacement. Such actions raise serious concerns about fairness and due process. While unlawful constructions, if any, must be addressed in accordance with the law, any action must strictly adhere to due process. Developments in West Bengal, including demolition drives alongside reports of political coercion and intimidation, point to an emerging climate that is increasingly hazardous to democratic functioning.”
The leaders collectively urged civil society, human rights organizations, and legal experts to take cognizance of these issues and stand in solidarity with affected people. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind reiterated that protecting the rights, dignity, and security of all citizens remains fundamental to upholding the constitutional and democratic framework of the nation.
Issued by: Salman Ahmad
National Secretary, Media Dept.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, HQRS
