'We grew up around this historic Delhi mosque - now we have been forced out'
Summary
Authorities demolished homes around Delhi’s Race Course mosque on 7 October, saying they stood illegally on government land and posed security concerns. About 717 families were relocated nearly 31 miles away; the mosque and a nearby Hindu temple remain, but utilities were cut and access to the mosque is restricted while a legal dispute continues.Key Facts
- Residents said many families had lived in the area for generations and worked in nearby homes.
- The Delhi High Court allowed the relocation in August, citing the government’s security concerns and the provision of alternative housing.
- The government says it owns the land under the mosque; mosque authorities say it was registered as waqf property in 1977.
- The Delhi Waqf Board says the mosque is nearly 300 years old, while other estimates place its age at 125 to 150 years.
- The mosque is listed as a heritage structure by Delhi’s municipal authorities.
- The Waqf Board has asked authorities to restore water and electricity and raised concerns about the mosque’s future.
- On 29 October, the government told the court it would take no action against the mosque for four weeks while it considered the board’s objections.
- The court declined to restore access for prayers and scheduled another hearing for 16 December.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
