Jaisalmer: Following directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs citing national security concerns, authorities have initiated a crackdown on encroachments within a 50-kilometer belt along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's border districts. In Barmer, illegal constructions from Bakhasar to Munabao were demolished with heavy police and administrative presence. On Thursday and Friday, more than six illegal religious sites and madrassas were razed, with major actions in Gadrar Rad and Sedwa. Similar removals of encroachments on government land were carried out in Jaisalmer.
Operation Clean Drive
The drive, conducted under "Operation Clean," also involved issuing notices to remove over 300 encroachments across Barmer and Jaisalmer. Officials issued strict instructions to clear illegal occupation from gochar-oran (grazing land) and government land in Barmer. Sub-Divisional Magistrates in Sedwa, Chauhatan, Ramsar, and Gadra Road issued notices on June 11, asking encroachers to present their case by 10 am on June 18, after which demolition teams moved in.
Demolition of Mosque in Malana Village
In Malana village near the border, a mosque built about four years ago was demolished, prompting residents to question the timing after the notice. Clerics stated that the madrassa had been operating since 2009 and disputed land records. Removals also occurred in multiple towns, affecting sites of both communities. Congress members opposed the drive, alleging political motives.
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