Yasub Abbas has thrown down the gauntlet in the Turkman Gate dispute, directly accusing officials of a targeted campaign against mosques. What began as a routine anti-encroachment exercise has morphed into a major confrontation, with sacred sites at the heart of the storm.
Addressing a large gathering of affected residents, Abbas painted a grim picture. ‘Our mosques, built over generations, are being erased under the pretext of illegal structures,’ he said, vowing to fight every demolition order. Reports indicate at least three mosques have been partially razed, prompting immediate appeals for stays.
Nestled in the labyrinthine lanes of Old Delhi, Turkman Gate holds immense historical value, dating back to Mughal times. The current drive echoes the traumatic clearances of the 1970s, displacing thousands and reshaping the area’s demography overnight.
Municipal authorities insist the operations follow due process, with surveys identifying violations across religious lines. Yet, Abbas cites discrepancies, noting that temples and other sites appear untouched. Independent observers are now documenting the proceedings to verify claims.
The backlash has political overtones, with opposition leaders amplifying Abbas’s call for an immediate halt. As prayer times approach amid rubble, the human cost becomes starkly visible—devout locals left without spaces for worship.
Looking ahead, Abbas advocates for dialogue over destruction, proposing community-led rehabilitation plans. This controversy could redefine urban governance in heritage zones, forcing a reckoning on how cities honor their multicultural fabric.