Delhi's Strong Stand Against Illegal Encroachments: Police and MCD Take Action
A Firm Message to Encroachers in Delhi
A decisive message has been sent to encroachers in the national capital, Delhi. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi deployed 32 bulldozers to demolish illegal constructions in the area. During this operation, encroachers resorted to stone-pelting, prompting the police to take strict measures. This action was initiated following a directive from the Delhi High Court, which led the MCD team to the site for the removal of encroachments. Unfortunately, the stone-pelting resulted in injuries to five police officers, necessitating the use of tear gas to control the situation. Eventually, order was restored, and reports indicate that ten individuals involved in the unrest have been apprehended.
Details of the Operation
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan, the MCD was scheduled to carry out the demolition operation on the night of January 6-7. Police personnel were deployed to the area in anticipation, but around 100-150 individuals gathered before the MCD's equipment arrived. The court had declared a banquet hall and a pharmacy near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque as encroachments, which were to be demolished. The police confirmed that the land belonged to the MCD, which had previously informed them about the planned demolition and requested police presence to maintain law and order. Local residents were informed that this was a legal action and that they had the option to appeal against it. A small group of protesters reacted provocatively by throwing stones, to which the police responded with minimal force. Injured officers received immediate medical attention, and the police are currently identifying suspects through CCTV and drone footage for legal action.
MCD's Compliance with Court Orders
MCD Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar stated that the demolition campaign was conducted in compliance with the high court's orders, resulting in the clearance of approximately 36,000 square feet of encroached land. This area included a diagnostic center, a wedding hall, and two two-story boundary walls. The demolition work continued throughout the night, and there remains a significant amount of debris at the site, enough to fill around 200 to 250 vehicles, which will be cleared as part of the cleanup operation. Kumar clarified that no damage was inflicted on the mosque during the demolition, noting that the structures were robust, with walls nearly nine inches thick, which made the process time-consuming.
The Importance of Upholding Law and Order
This operation clearly indicates that those who resort to violence in defiance of court orders are not advocating for democracy but rather chaos. The MCD's actions were not directed against any community but were aimed at addressing illegal encroachments. The land in question was government property, and the court's orders were to be followed by the administration. Despite this, some individuals chose to incite violence by gathering a crowd. This is a direct assault on the rule of law.
The question remains: can government land be occupied under the guise of faith? The MCD acted appropriately by not targeting any religious structures but rather removing illegal constructions. Even after this, stones were hurled at the police. Such actions cannot be justified as mere protest; they are criminal acts. Those who remain silent about the injured officers must consider who is responsible for the safety of duty-bound personnel. Attacking those maintaining law and order is unacceptable. Such elements are enemies of society, and strict measures are the only remedy. The MCD and police displayed restraint, using minimal force to manage the situation and sending a clear message that no one is above the law. It is now crucial to convey to encroachers and stone-throwers that government land is not a legacy and that court orders are not to be taken lightly. If the system is challenged, it will respond with equal firmness. This action was justified, necessary, and should continue. The wheels of justice will not stop, and illegal occupations will not endure through violence.