Demolition drive sparks outcry in Gujarat: 186 shops razed in Gandhinagar after Navratri clashes
Gandhinagar: In what critics have termed a collective punishment, the Gujarat administration has demolished 186 commercial structures in Gandhinagar district’s Bahiyal village, allegedly belonging to individuals accused of participating in a communal clash during the recent Navratri celebrations.
The demolition, carried out on Thursday under heavy police deployment, followed a September 24 incident in which a social media post reportedly triggered tensions between communities, leading to stone pelting and property damage. Officials claimed that the razed establishments were “illegal constructions” linked to those involved in the violence.
According to Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja Vasamsetty, the authorities identified the properties as part of an “encroachment removal drive.”
“Today, 186 business establishments in Dahegam taluka were demolished. We have identified illegal properties belonging to those involved in last month’s disturbances. Nearly 50 of the accused are habitual offenders,” he said.
Over 300 police personnel were deployed during the operation, which took place in the presence of sub-divisional magistrates and panchayat officials.
However, rights groups and local residents have raised serious concerns over the timing and intent of the demolition, arguing that it amounts to extra-judicial retribution targeting a particular community. Critics say such “bulldozer justice” bypasses due legal process and deepens existing fault lines instead of restoring peace.
The September 24 violence, which erupted over an objectionable social media post, had resulted in extensive damage to shops and vehicles. Police detained around 60 people, alleging that over 200 individuals were involved in the unrest.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
