Rajasthan Border Mosque Demolitions: High Court Hearing on July 7 as Communities Hold Peace March in Barmer and Bikaner

There is an ongoing debate about the plans by the government to raze some alleged illegal mosques in Rajasthan close to the India-Pakistan border. Protest was made against the act by the people from border areas such as Barmer and Bikaner. As a means of promoting peace, Hindu and Muslim people from the community participated in a peace march referred to as the Sarva Dharma Shanti Sabha.

They delivered a memorandum to the administration complaining that those who were affected by the demolition did not receive fair hearing and due process before the act took place. They asked the authorities to reconsider their decision.

In the Rajasthan High Court petition filed regarding this matter, it is stated that there has been demolition of about 12 mosques in villages within 15 kilometers from the international border from June 18 to June 20. The petitioners state that this action violates the principles of natural justice and that the affected people were not given an opportunity to present their case.

The state government, on its part, stated in court that the matter concerns national security. The government maintains that prior permission is required under established regulations for any permanent construction in sensitive areas along the international border. The relevant action has been taken on this basis.