Hanuman Beniwal, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) National President and Nagaur Member of Parliament, on Tuesday raised the issue of alleged demolition of religious sites and residential structures in the border areas of Rajasthan before the Lok Sabha, drawing attention to multiple incidents in the Barmer parliamentary constituency. Beniwal invoked Rule 377 to place the matter on record and directly addressed Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

What Beniwal Alleged

The RLP leader alleged that several religious sites associated with the Muslim community — along with residential premises — had been demolished in border areas, including Barmer district, without adequate consultation or the consent of those affected. He specifically named Jama Masjid Siyai, Jama Masjid Mekan Ka Par, Jama Masjid Kerkori, Jama Masjid Rampura (Daheva), Dargah Sayed Gul Mohammad Shah, and Bhalgaon Bakhasar as sites where demolitions had reportedly taken place.

Beniwal maintained that these incidents had generated considerable resentment and anger among sections of the local population in the region.

Beniwal's Constitutional Argument

While acknowledging that national security must remain paramount, Beniwal argued that the Constitution of India also guarantees citizens the right to religion and protects the sanctity of religious places. He stressed that any demolition undertaken for administrative or security reasons must follow due legal procedure and be carried out through a transparent, consultative process.

According to Beniwal, demolitions conducted without engaging local residents or adhering to established legal norms had deepened grievances in the border belt. He called on the government to exercise sensitivity when dealing with religious sites in such areas.

Key Demands Before Parliament

Beniwal urged the Centre to dispatch a central team to the affected locations in Barmer to independently assess the situation on the ground. He also called for measures to ensure the dignity and sanctity of religious places are protected going forward.

Emphasising the need for equal respect across all faiths, Beniwal said he would continue to raise issues of injustice affecting people irrespective of their religion or community background.

Broader Context

This comes amid a wider national debate over the legal framework governing demolitions of structures — both residential and religious — in areas close to international borders and in disputed zones. Several opposition leaders across parties have raised similar concerns in recent months, citing due-process violations. Notably, the Supreme Court has in the past issued guidelines requiring authorities to follow prescribed procedures before undertaking demolitions, particularly those involving places of worship.

The Centre has not yet formally responded to Beniwal's specific allegations as of the time of this report. How the government addresses the demand for a central fact-finding team will be closely watched by communities in the affected border districts.