VARANASI: Five mosques were demolished in the Indian city of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh state, over the past 24 hours as part of a road-widening and urban development project, according to Indian media reports.
Authorities said the structures obstructed the planned expansion and were removed after legal procedures and advance notices had been issued. A heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel was made in the area during the operation.
Officials stated that the management committees of five mosques cooperated with the authorities during the demolition process, while the case concerning a sixth mosque remains pending before a court.
However, local Muslim organisations and some civil society activists criticised the move, arguing that the demolished mosques held historical and religious significance.
They urged the government to consider alternative routes instead of removing places of worship and expressed concern over the action.
