Bulldozer justice in Delhi’s Aali Gaon: Women protest against sealing of 300 houses by UP irrigation department
Women led protests in Aali Gaon Delhi Tense clashes erupted in Okhla after bulldozers attacked several properties in Masjid Colony. On January 15, activists held demonstrations with bold slogans followed by candle marches to demand justice and accountability demolition drives. Stemming from a land controversy over 8.5 hectares between the residents and the UP irrigation department, the matter arose in mid-December when more than 300 houses were sealed without any prior notice. Families were forced to evict in the middle of the cold season despite having papers, forcing them to live in makeshift shelters next to the faded walls of the Muslim-dominated area.
Since December, residents have been continuously active on the front lines of the protest zone. Women held placards that read, “Save our colony, save our community,” “Don’t destroy our future with bulldozers,” and “These are families, it’s not just about the country,” and shared their pain with feminism in India.
Explaining the situation, Ameerjahan (29), an insider, said, “We have been living in the area for more than five to six generations. The administrative process was abrupt and we did not have enough time to pack the essential and important things like food, uniforms and blankets. Now the bulldozer attacks have worsened our condition.”
A woman between the alleys of the residential area of Aali Gaon | Mariyam Usmani
Thanks to grassroots NGOs and humanitarian assistance from Jamat-e-Islami Hind, the daily lives of Aali Gaon’s target population have become a huge challenge affecting women, men and children.
Roohi* (36), who gave birth to a baby girl just 15 days ago, is struggling for basic needs such as nutritious food, sanitation and a hygienic corner to rest. “I don’t have the words to explain my concerns.” I am concerned about my child’s well-being. “Living outdoors in the freezing winters with a 15-day-old child is too risky,” she says.
The Aali-Gaon land dispute has become a tense issue for Delhi authorities, the UP government and local residents, stemming from a 150-year-old controversy. An unplanned settlement in southeast Delhi, the area has a significant Muslim and Dalit population. The issue came to light in 2010 when the Delhi High Court directed the DDA (Delhi Development Authority) to prepare an authorized map for several villages and cities. Although many residential colonies had previously received official certification from MCD, it is alleged that the structures were built on illegally encroached land due to the lack of approved digraphs. Most of the houses in Aali Gaon are built on land acquired decades ago with a “power of attorney” without registration, pointing to the role of corruption and middlemen. The first notices were issued in 2018, and since then the lawsuit has been in critical legal proceedings.
Women activists such as Ameerajahan, Sultana, Nasreen and Shabana said men remained busy holding meetings with the irrigation department to sort out the disputes and work with NGOs; Women have now become the soul of the ongoing protests.
Women activists such as Ameerajahan, Sultana, Nasreen and Shabana said men remained busy holding meetings with the irrigation department to sort out the disputes and work with NGOs; Women have now become the soul of the ongoing protests.
Sultana, 40, a local activist, said the arbitrary orders were an attack on the right to life and privacy. “We have electricity bills, gas bills, ration cards, Aadhar cards, voter ID cards and other mandatory documents.” Who gave them the right to seal or demolish our houses? “In every election, leaders make big promises but nothing happens,” she said.
Lives destroyed, livelihoods destroyed
The sudden backlash has deeply disrupted the operations and livelihoods of marginalized communities.
Locked shops in front of Masjid Colony | Mariyam Usmani
Bahadur Khan (70), the owner of seven shops in the first row of the colony, described the consequences. He said that there was an atmosphere of fear and insecurity following the joint raid on three police stations and BSF troops. The month-long closure has had a devastating impact on local businesses and daily wagers, who are now finding it difficult to work as hard as before.
“I rented out the properties to many people. There was a welding shop, a tea and cigarette stall and a small blanket shop. “Neither the landlords nor the tenants, no one knows how to deal with the pressing tensions,” he told FII.
High school student Rabiya, 16, complained that preparing for exams had become precarious while living under broken parasols and awnings. “Learning requires peace of mind and concentration.” My friends and I, who would appear for the committees, struggle to find a quiet corner to study. “Our rooms are locked, we don’t have access to the toilet or kitchen,” she says.
Politics and communalism
Local politics and the public has reacted to the situation in different ways. While the affected victims received no direct external support from mainstream leaders, the common people always stood by the oppressed.
While the affected victims received no direct external support from mainstream leaders, the common people always stood by the oppressed.
Amanatullah Khan, the MP from Okhla constituency, argued that the Delhi government had maintained proper drainage systems, electricity and provided clean water facilities to the residents of Aali Gaon. However, he remained silent on the question bulldozer Action.
Makeshift canopies in front of the houses | Mariyam Usmani
Mohmmad Shahrukh (32) said, “We are almost the fifth generation in Aali Gaon.” Until the 4th generation, we were not required to display works on paper. It’s not just about the 300 homes – it’s about more than 4,000 homes spread across acres of land, impacting the lives of thousands of people. The government cannot claim ownership because our ancestors rented the land from landlords.”
The authorized inhumane response without an ultimatum has devastated the victims, who are struggling with psychological loss and the socio-political humiliation of local politics. The residents want a court order for a reprieve and compensation for the damage. They also emphasize the role of religious hatred behind the violation of human rights.
“With the rise of the BJP in Delhi, things have changed, making it easier to join hands with the Yogi government to target the religious minorities and marginalized communities across Delhi,” Shah Rukh added.
Imam of the nearby mosque Zainul Abedin said: “They also threw away the janaza carrier from the courtyard of the mosque.” We were asked to find a new carrier in case someone dies in the winter. Authoritarian orders are one thing, but no one is expected to forget the basic concepts of humanity. Hatred against any community is bad for the dynamic growth of a society.”
Social justice activists demand recovery plans while pointing fingers at the irrigation department.
Social justice activists demand recovery plans while pointing fingers at the irrigation department. The vital slogans keep them alive, while posters glitter on the walls and inspire new hopes.
One poster reads: “If the land actually belonged to the Irrigation Department, then what have they done in the last 70 to 80 years?” This home is our children’s future. It is the overall result of our life. “Authorities need to think about an appropriate recovery plan before taking harmful actions.”
Mariyam (she/her) has a desire for meaningful stories that incorporate humanitarian and feminist themes. She has an academic background in journalism, English literature and political science.
For them, words are a visionary sovereignty on which to stand and find the meaning of being, while journalism is the only place where truth goes hand in hand with facts and data. She also enjoys documentary photography, Rumi’s spirituality, dreams and stargazing.
