Punjab and Haryana High Court Raises Concerns Over Nuh Demolitions: "Ethnic Cleansing" or Law and Order Issue?
New Dehli: The recent turmoil in Nuh and Gurugram has captured the attention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. In a bold move, the court has halted bulldozer operations in areas hit by communal violence and raised a crucial question about the motives behind these demolitions. Citing Lord Acton's words, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely," the court pointedly asked if these actions were veiled attempts at ethnic cleansing.
The court's order carries a stern tone, expressing suspicions that the state government might be employing law and order concerns as a pretext for tearing down structures belonging to a specific community. Media reports suggesting that the demolitions target those allegedly involved in "anti-social activity" further fueled the court's inquiry.
Notably, the court also cited Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij's statement about bulldozers being part of "treatment" for communal violence. This reference was used to highlight concerns about the misuse of power. The court demanded transparency, instructing the Haryana government to submit an affidavit detailing the number of demolitions conducted in the last two weeks and whether proper notices were issued prior to each.
Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata promptly heeded the court's decision, ordering officials to cease bulldozer operations. The court's intervention comes after a week of intense communal clashes that led to fatalities, substantial property damage, and a prevailing sense of panic in Nuh and Gurugram.
Within just four days, over 350 shanties and 50 cement structures were razed to the ground. As the high court's probing questions shed light on potential motivations behind these actions, the region watches with heightened awareness for the truth to emerge.
