In recent weeks, an orchestrated disinformation campaign, led by certain factions of the media often referred to as “Godi Media,” has emerged. This campaign falsely accuses Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC) and Delhi Waqf Board (DWB) of attempting to seize land belonging to Hindu temples. These claims are sensationalist, misleading, and serve as a diversionary tactic to obscure a much more critical issue: the illegal encroachment of Waqf properties by communal forces. These allegations are not rooted in genuine grievances but are part of a calculated effort to strip the Muslim community of its rightful heritage and public assets.
Understanding the Context: A Manufactured Controversy
This controversy can be traced back to a complaint made by a political leader in 2019, claiming that several “illegal” mosques had sprung up in his constituency over two decades. He demanded their demolition, sparking a larger debate. In response, the DMC, under the leadership of Dr.Zafarul Islam Khan, established a five-member committee comprising individuals from diverse religious backgrounds to investigate the veracity of these allegations.
The committee undertook a scrupulous investigation into the legal status and historical significance of the mosques. The findings were clear: none of the mosques was illegal, with many classified as protected ancient monuments. However, the inquiry also uncovered illegal temple constructions encroaching on public lands, roads, and parks. These encroachments, conveniently ignored by the complainant, highlight the complexity of land use in Delhi, exposing a deeper communal narrative behind the controversy.
The DMC Report: A Counter to Misinformation
The DMC’s report, publicly available for scrutiny, meticulously outlines its findings. (https://archive.org/details/dmc-report-on-illegal-mosques-delhi). It stresses the need to preserve places of worship, regardless of religious affiliation, while also exposing the illegal constructions of temples on Waqf properties. These revelations demonstrate how selective narratives are being promoted to distract from illegal activities taking place under the guise of temple preservation.
The report sheds light on how the campaign against the DMC and DWB is part of a broader stratagem to polarise society by distorting facts. Rather than attempting to seize temple land, the DMC and DWB have worked diligently to safeguard Waqf properties from encroachment, respecting the sanctity of all religious sites. The allegations of “land-grabbing” are baseless and aim to divert public attention from the illegal occupation of Waqf lands.
The Role of Delhi Waqf Board: Guardians of Heritage
The Delhi Waqf Board, similarly maligned, has been falsely accused of seeking to reclaim temple lands. These accusations are unfounded and fundamentally misrepresent the Board’s responsibilities. Waqf properties, endowed for religious and charitable purposes under Islamic law, are protected by the Constitution of India. The Board’s mandate is to defend these properties from illegal occupation and ensure they benefit the community as intended.
However, the prevailing narrative conveniently ignores the illegal occupation of Waqf lands, a reality that is evident in the DMC’s findings. The Board is not acting aggressively; it is legally protecting its heritage and assets, which have come under systematic attack by communal forces.
The Real Threat: Encroachment on Waqf Lands
This is not a conflict over temple land, but rather the deliberate erosion of Waqf properties – assets entrusted to the Muslim community for the public good. Waqf properties, meant to support essential services such as education, healthcare, and welfare, are now being targeted by forces falsely claiming to protect religious sentiments. The issue is not about temple preservation, but about depriving a minority community of its heritage, assets, and dignity.
The allegations against the DWB and DMC are fabrications designed to shift attention away from the illegal occupation of Waqf lands. The true encroachment is on Waqf properties, not temple land. The DMC’s report clearly highlights how illegal structures have been erected on Waqf properties – a fact conveniently ignored by those promoting this false narrative.
Exposing the Truth: A Struggle for Heritage
The DMC’s findings unveil the uncomfortable truth that communal forces seek to hide. The report exposes illegal constructions on Waqf properties, positioning the DMC and DWB as protectors of a heritage that is being systematically undermined. Rather than being aggressors, the DMC and DWB are fighting to preserve what legally belongs to the Muslim community.
By focusing on the illegal encroachment of Waqf lands, the report redirects the conversation to where it truly belongs: the calculated attack on community welfare and minority rights. The propaganda that accuses the DWB of seizing temple land is nothing more than a distraction from the steady erosion of a community’s assets.
A Calculated Assault on Pluralism
The ongoing campaign against the DMC and DWB is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining India’s pluralistic values. By targeting Waqf properties, communal forces aim to weaken the Muslim community and strip it of its institutional foundations. Depriving the community of its endowments is a calculated blow to its socio-economic empowerment and public welfare.
This campaign raises fundamental questions about India’s future: Are we truly committed to upholding pluralism, or are we allowing divisive forces to hijack our democracy? How we respond to the blatant encroachment on Waqf lands will define the nation we aspire to be. Protecting Waqf properties is not just about safeguarding land – it is about defending the soul of India’s pluralistic identity.
The Path Forward: Reclaiming the Narrative
Amidst this climate of disinformation, it is imperative to rise above the noise and focus on the facts. The DMC and DWB are not attempting to reclaim temple land; they are acting as stewards of a heritage that is being systematically undermined. The true issue at hand is not the reclamation of temple land but the illegal dispossession of Waqf properties – assets intended for the welfare of the community and common people.
India’s future as a pluralistic nation depends on its ability to uphold the rights of all communities. By preserving Waqf properties and protecting religious endowments, the nation reaffirms its commitment to diversity and justice. It is crucial to expose the conspiracy to deprive a minority community of its rightful heritage for what it truly is: a deliberate attempt to distort history, divide communities, and erase the legacy of Muslim philanthropy.
Defending the Idea of India
The attacks on the DMC and DWB are not just about land – they are an attack on India’s pluralism. Citizens must remain vigilant against disinformation, especially on sensitive matters of religion and communal harmony. The DMC’s report stands as an important document for understanding the realities of land use, religious spaces, and communal welfare in Delhi.
By fostering dialogue and promoting understanding, we can protect India’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Only through unity, vigilance, and a commitment to truth can we safeguard India’s secular and democratic fabric. This is not merely about defending Waqf properties; it is about preserving the very idea of India.
[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]