In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, local authorities have labelled a mosque and approximately 80 houses as illegally constructed on land designated as a public pond. The district administration issued notices, claiming the constructions in the Hatim Sarai area were built on land officially recorded as a pond in government documents.
According to the notice from Tehsildar Dhirendra Kumar Singh, occupants were given 15 days to respond, with officials placing notices on several properties.
Local Member of Parliament Zia Ur Rehman Barq criticized the administration’s actions, describing them as “hasty” and suggesting that the authorities were targeting residents unfairly. Barq asserted, “It does not matter if this area is 500 metres or 50 metres from my office. In my constituency, all are my people. If something wrong happens there, I will speak against it with conviction.” He declared his commitment to supporting the community, stating he would advocate for their legal rights when necessary.
Barq further accused local authorities of engaging in a conspiracy and called for the withdrawal of the notices. He expressed concern that such actions could alienate citizens from the government, jeopardizing public trust.
The Tehsildar’s notice referenced Section 132 of the U.P. Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, recommending the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to identify similar encroachments statewide. It stated, “In case it is found that anyone is in unauthorized possession of such land and is using it for any other purpose, the government should take appropriate action and restore the same to gram sabhas.”
Several residents voiced their disbelief regarding the administration’s claims, questioning how institutions that had previously approved their house maps and granted electricity connections could now label their homes as illegally built. The situation has escalated tensions in the community, with residents urging the administration to reconsider its stance and alleging selective targeting.
Tags: Sambhal, mosque, illegal houses, administration, notices
Hashtags: #Sambhal #slams #administration #notices #mosque #houses #declared #illegal
