This opinion piece argues that recent demolitions of mosques and other Islamic religious sites in India reflect a broader pattern of state action that extends beyond urban development. It highlights the July 1, 2026 demolition of mosque walls in Varanasi's Dal Mandi area during a road-widening project, where large security deployments, drones, and heavy machinery were used. It also references the June 29, 2026 demolition of the Juna Kunda Mosque in Gujarat and claims that more than 23 mosques, madrasas, eidgahs, and dargahs were demolished within a 50-day period.
The text places these events within a historical and political context, recalling the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid and the subsequent rise of demands regarding other disputed religious sites. Drawing on theories such as Antonio Gramsci's concept of cultural hegemony and Kathleen Cavanaugh's idea of an "architecture of exclusion," the opinion piece contends that legal, administrative, and municipal mechanisms are being used to reshape public space, reinterpret history, and diminish the visibility of India's Islamic heritage.
This opinion piece further cites reports by Amnesty International and the Pew Research Center, alleging selective enforcement of demolition laws, inadequate notice before demolitions, and growing restrictions on minority religious freedoms. It argues that these actions contribute to feelings of insecurity and exclusion among India's Muslim population by treating centuries-old religious structures as unauthorized encroachments.
In its conclusion, the opinion piece calls for stronger international attention and accountability. It recommends that Pakistan establish a dedicated academic and legal task force to document and archive demolitions of Islamic heritage sites. It also urges international organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to monitor these developments more closely and consider diplomatic, legal, and economic measures aimed at protecting minority religious heritage and encouraging compliance with international human rights standards. This opinion piece presents these recommendations as a response to what it describes as a systematic effort to reshape historical narratives and religious identity in India.
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