Delhi: A late-night anti-encroachment operation near a historic mosque in central Delhi has sparked political controversy and street unrest, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi alleging that part of a mosque-linked Waqf property was demolished by authorities.
The incident occurred near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque, close to Turkman Gate, during a demolition drive carried out between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Tensions escalated after social media messages claimed that the mosque itself was being pulled down, leading to crowds gathering at the site and clashes with police.
According to officials, some individuals resorted to stone pelting during the protest, injuring five police personnel. In response, security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order in the area.
Addressing a public meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ahead of the civic body elections, Owaisi claimed that a portion of land belonging to the mosque was razed despite it being registered as Waqf property through a government gazette notification issued in 1970. He linked the action to the recently amended Waqf law, calling it a “black legislation” and accusing the Centre of using it to target Muslim religious sites.
Owaisi further alleged that the Delhi High Court had erred in its handling of the matter and said the Delhi Waqf Board failed to adequately defend the property by not seeking a review of the court’s decision. He stated that the issue would now be taken to the Supreme Court.
The AIMIM leader also used the platform to launch a political attack on the ruling alliance, urging voters in Maharashtra to oppose the BJP-led government and its allies in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for January 15. He accused senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key regional allies, of backing laws that he claimed undermine constitutional protections for minorities.
Speaking on constitutional values, Owaisi said the spirit of the Constitution emphasizes equality and freedom of belief. He criticised what he described as selective remembrance of national icons while ignoring Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s views on liberty of thought, faith and religion.
Maharashtra AIMIM president Imtiaz Jaleel, who also spoke at the rally, said internal rifts had hurt the party in past elections but asserted that the organisation was prepared to face both political rivals and internal challenges in the current polls. Referring to a recent attack on his vehicle, Jaleel said the party would not be deterred by intimidation and demanded firm police action.
Owaisi, commenting on that incident, said he would personally visit the area in the coming days and called for strict action against those responsible, asserting that intimidation would not silence him or his party.
