Condemn the demolition drive against the Muslim Fishers of Beyt Dwarka  

We, the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom have been utterly shocked at the massive demolition drive undertaken in Beyt Dwarka, Okha and Pirotan islands of coastal Gujarat between January 11 and 13 2025. The majority of the victims belong to fishing communities, and further, it is reported that almost all the victims of the demolition have been Muslims. The Muslims of India are a religious minority and the community has been facing humiliation and violence from social and public institutions across the country. The demolition drive has razed to the ground the homes of thousands of Muslim fishing community people and made them shelterless. The vulnerable fisher people, including children, the elderly and the women, have been made homeless. 

Gujarat state government officials through their media statements allege that the demolitions were done to clear “illegal” structures and “encroachments” on government land. They claim that this is important for national security as these islands are located close to Okha Port which handles 60% of the country’s crude oil supply and also because they are located in the Arabian Sea with the Pakistan coastline on the other side. It is further alleged that a particular community residing in those areas is involved in cross-border drug smuggling and other unlawful activities. Evidence on the ground does not corroborate the official statements and the demolition drive has blatantly violated the directions of the Supreme Court of India.  In Writ Petition (Civil) No. 295 of 2022 on the matter of demolition of structures, the Supreme Court has directed that a minimum of 15 days will have to be provided for replying to the show-cause notice, containing items prescribed by the Supreme Court, issued to the owner/occupier of the structure by the authorities. After this, an opportunity for personal hearing will have to be provided to the owner/occupier of the structure by the authorities. The final order for demolition should clearly state the reasons for the demolition order,  and the demolition will not be implemented till 15 days after the receipt of the order by the owner/occupier of the structure. It is reported that the first notice to the residents of religious structures in the Beyt Dwarka and other affected communities was issued on 3 January 2025 and the second one on 7 January 2025, ordering them to furnish documents related to their property. On 8/9 January 2025, public hearings took place, and the demolitions started on 10 January 10 and continued until 13 January. It is beyond doubt that the directions of the country’s apex court have been wilfully  ignored by the Government of Gujarat and it is a violation of the constitutional rights of the people and the democratic values of India. This incident is not a one-off and is broadly in line with the targeted demolition of Muslim Properties with state backing in other parts of India.

That is, thousands of Indian citizens were purposefully and illegally denied their right to life and occupation and their legal rights. It is not a rational and reasonable argument to demolish houses just because they live near a port or because their island is nestled within the Gulf of Kutch, and 100 miles from the border of the neighbouring country. Fishing villages as communities are guardians of the sea and an integral part of Indian society and history regardless of the religion they follow. 

The allegation that a particular community residing in those areas is involved in cross border-drug smuggling and other unlawful activities, can never be used as a reason to conduct demolition. It has become increasingly common in India for state officials to allege that a particular community is involved in smuggling and illegal activities. In our considered view, India’s constitutional framework and criminal jurisprudence does not permit the demolition of houses of under-trial prisoners or accused.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in a recent landmark judgement, remarked – “In order to allay the fears in the minds of the citizens with regard to arbitrary exercise of power by the officers/officials of the State, we find it necessary to issue certain directions in exercise of our power under Article 142 of the Constitution. We are also of the view that even after orders of demolition are passed, the affected party needs to be given some time so as to challenge the order of demolition before an appropriate forum. We are further of the view that even in cases of persons who do not wish to contest the demolition order, sufficient time needs to  be given to them to vacate and arrange their affairs. It is not a happy sight to see women, children and aged persons dragged to the streets overnight. Heavens would not fall on the authorities if they hold their hands for some period.” We, as concerned citizens and the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom condemn in strongest terms the unlawful demolition of houses of Muslim fishers in Beyt Dwarka by the State Government and district administration. 

We demand:

 1. Immediate stoppage to the illegal demolition drives in Beyt Dwarka, and full compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions regarding demolitions; 

2. Immediate relief with food and shelter, compensation and assurance of fishing communities' livelihood practices and appropriate rehabilitation of the people whose houses have been demolished; 

3. Rebuilding of the illegally demolished houses by the government

4. Independent inquiry into the violation of the Supreme Court’s directions, with investigation and disciplinary action against the responsible officials and ministers. 

29/01/25

Written by Ramu & Lotika Singha for ILS