Action taken with bulldozers on an unauthorized dargah in Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh)

• The dargah was removed for widening of a drainage channel 

• Due to the firm stance of the administration, attempts at protest by Muslims were unsuccessful 

Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) – An unauthorized dargah built on government land near the Goddhoiya bridge, close to Awas Vikas Colony, was removed on March 26. The administration stated that the action was taken to facilitate the widening of a nearby drainage channel. The dargah was known as Hazrat Baba Jafar Ali Shah “Masoom.”

During the action carried out by the Public Works Department, a large number of local Muslims gathered at the site. Some opposition was expressed, but it could not withstand the administration’s firm stance, after which the demolition proceeded peacefully.

Muslim women were also among those protesting. They said they had been visiting the site for years to offer prayers and fulfill vows. Many became emotional upon seeing the structure being demolished. (The editorial comments that if media outlets such as the BBC or The New York Times oppose the administration using such visuals, it would not be surprising.)

Strict security arrangements were in place during the operation.

Editorial Perspectives

• Since this is the constituency of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Muslims here remained disciplined. If governance is firm, principled, and just, even the most aggressive communities will follow discipline.

• If the drainage widening had not been planned, the action against the unauthorized dargah would have remained pending.

• Strict action should be taken against those who constructed the unauthorized dargah and those who failed to act earlier, and that the cost of demolition should be recovered from them.