In a significant crackdown on illegal construction in Nuh, Haryana, the local authorities demolished more than 45 commercial shops on Saturday. The action, taken near the SKHM Government Medical College on Nalhar Road, came amidst heavy police deployment to maintain order during the operation. Sub-divisional magistrate Ashwani Kumar revealed that the demolition was carried out under the directive of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. He asserted that some of the shops belonged to individuals allegedly involved in recent communal violence in the area.
The encroachments were found to span across 2.5 acres, all of which were deemed to be unauthorized constructions. The enforcement team from the district administration, led by the local SDM and town planning department officials, used multiple earth-moving machines and workers to execute the demolition drive. The recent demolitions are not isolated incidents. Just a few days before this operation, authorities bulldozed approximately 250 shanties on encroached government land in Tauru town and other areas within Nuh district.
Outgoing Nuh Deputy Commissioner Prashant Panwar refuted any direct connection between the demolition and the recent violence. However, Home Minister Anil Vij hinted at a potential link, stating, “Ilaj mein bulldozer bhi ek karavayi hai (bulldozer is part of the treatment),” during a press conference in Chandigarh. The communal clashes in Nuh have resulted in the arrest of 202 people, with 80 others being taken into preventive detention. Minister Vij highlighted the pre-planned nature of the violence, pointing out the firing of bullets from hillocks and the collection of stones on rooftops as evidence of organized intent.
Local authorities have been vigilant in their efforts to curb illegal constructions and encroachments in the region. The recent series of demolitions and arrests demonstrate their commitment to restoring law and order and preventing further outbreaks of violence. As the situation unfolds, the authorities are focused on maintaining stability and ensuring that those responsible for instigating communal violence are held accountable. The demolition of illegal shops and structures is seen as a necessary step towards reclaiming public spaces and enforcing the rule of law in Nuh.