Haryana Government Denies Ethnic Cleansing Allegations in Nuh Demolition Drive
The Haryana government has faced accusations of ethnic cleansing in its demolition drive in Nuh, but it has strongly rejected these claims. The case was brought before the Punjab and Haryana high court, which initially halted the demolition of illegally-constructed buildings in Nuh. The court questioned whether a particular community was being targeted after communal violence erupted in the area.
However, on Friday, Haryana’s Additional Advocate General, Deepak Sabharwal, informed the court that due procedure established by law was followed during the demolition drive. Sabharwal emphasized that the government does not engage in ethnic cleansing and treats all citizens equally. The government will be filing a written reply before the next hearing.
The court adjourned the case and referred it to the first division bench of the chief justice as per the high court rules. While there is no stay on the demolition drive, the high court had previously expressed concern that the buildings were being demolished without following proper procedures or issuing notices.
The Haryana government has been directed to submit an affidavit detailing the number of buildings demolished in Nuh and Gurugram within a two-week period, as well as whether any notice was issued prior to the demolitions. The court stated that if the procedure is not followed as per the law, any demolition planned for the future should be halted.
The demolition drive in Nuh was initiated following a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession that was targeted on July 31. The violence in Nuh resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including two home guards. The unrest also spread to nearby Gurugram, where an imam was murdered in an attack on a mosque.
The Nuh administration has claimed that the demolished buildings were illegal and that notices had been sent to the owners. Additionally, officials asserted that some of the demolished buildings belonged to those involved in the violence, as stones had been thrown from some of them.
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij defended the use of bulldozers, stating that they were necessary in addressing the situation. Bulldozers are part of the treatment, Vij said when questioned by reporters.
The case raises significant concerns about the demolition drive and whether proper procedures were followed, as well as allegations of the government targeting a specific community. The court proceedings will continue as the Haryana government prepares its written response, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
