HJS Protests against Religion-based Sukoon Empire ‘Halal Township’ near Karjat

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has strongly opposed the religion-based housing project Sukoon Empire – Halal Lifestyle Township coming up at Neral near Karjat in Raigad District of Maharashtra. Since this project is being advertised as ‘Only for Muslims’, it is completely against the Constitution, law, and social harmony. Therefore, HJS has submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and State Development Minister of Maharashtra, that this project be immediately banned.

Along with HJS, like-minded organisations agitated on 9^th September near Karjat Post Office. Representatives of RSS, VHP, Shivpratishthan Hindustan, Gorakshak Dal-Khalapur, Sanatan Sanstha, and Nationalists, devout citizens participated in the agitation.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also took serious note of this issue and issued a notice to the Maharashtra Government. NHRC has said that the project spreads poison in society and attempts to create a Nation within a Nation. It has directed the State Government to submit an action report within two weeks.

HJS clarified that religion-based housing projects like Sukoon Empire violate Article 15 of the Indian Constitution. Further, as per the Real Estate (RERA) Act, advertisements must be non-discriminatory and transparent. However, since this project is being promoted exclusively for one religion, it is in violation of law. Such religion-based colonies increase divisions in society and pose a threat to social peace.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has demanded the following :

1.   The Government immediately conduct a high-level inquiry and take strict action against those responsible.

2.   The MahaRERA license of the developer should be cancelled, and accountability should be fixed on the officials in the administration who granted permission for the project.

3.   An independent inquiry should also be conducted into how such a large project escaped the notice of the local administration and intelligence agencies.

4.   The finances used for the project, especially FCRA and CSR funds, should be investigated.

HJS demanded that such projects should be completely banned, and Maharashtra Government should announce a clear policy for inclusive urban planning. Just as Uttar Pradesh has banned Halal certification to curb a parallel economy, Maharashtra should also immediately ban religion-based housing projects and take steps to preserve social unity.