Turkman Gate: Discontent over the removal of encroachments near the mosque; the Home Minister termed the stone-pelting on the police as unfortunate.

The situation has escalated near the Syed Faiz Ilahi Mosque in Turkman Gate following demolition work carried out after an order from the Delhi High Court. Local residents protested the late-night anti-encroachment drive by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), leading to police using force. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood termed the stone-pelting on the police unfortunate and said that the entire anti-encroachment drive was carried out following court orders, making the protest unjustified. He appealed to the people to maintain peace.

Home Minister Ashish Sood issued a statement on Wednesday saying that no legitimate building was damaged during the anti-encroachment drive. However, people had encroached upon the area around the mosque and carried out illegal constructions, obstructing public movement. He said that the action to remove these encroachments was being carried out strictly in accordance with court orders. Obstructing or interfering with work being done within the bounds of the law is completely wrong.

Sood said that after this incident, some miscreants tried to obstruct the work of the MCD. Violence was perpetrated against the police force, and attempts were made to stop the operation. He said that five people have been arrested so far in connection with this objectionable act. The police are trying to identify other miscreants.

Mosque is safe, so why the protest?

The Home Minister clarified that the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque is completely safe and has not suffered any damage. The action is being taken only against illegal encroachments. There should be no protest against this. He said that those who obstruct government work will be dealt with strictly. He appealed to all citizens not to fall for any kind of provocation.