KMS Report Claims Muslim Identity Is Being Systematically Erased in India

A research report by the Kashmir Media Service (KMS) has raised concerns over what it describes as efforts to erase Muslim identity, historical heritage and values in India.

According to KMS, the BJP government is gradually targeting Muslim identity and heritage. The report says the controversial Waqf Amendment Act 2025 is being used as a tool in this process.

KMS claims that legal and administrative actions against Muslim religious properties have increased under the Waqf law. It says mosques, shrines, dargahs and Eidgahs are being demolished in the name of removing encroachments.

According to the report, 861 mosques, shrines, seminaries and Eidgahs were demolished in just three years. These reportedly included 60 mosques, 563 shrines, 226 seminaries and six Eidgahs.

KMS says the Waqf Act 2025 has transferred powers related to the registration and verification of mosques and religious institutions to district authorities. It also claims that the appointment of non-Muslim representatives to Waqf boards has weakened Muslim representation.

The report cites the demolition of several old Muslim religious sites, including a 120-year-old mosque in Saharanpur on September 5, 2026, as well as the 700-year-old Akhundji Mosque in Mehrauli and a 200-year-old mosque in Varanasi.

KMS says actions against Muslim religious properties have been reported in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam and Madhya Pradesh.

It claims that around 572 shrines were demolished in Uttarakhand, while 35 mosques, 225 seminaries, 25 shrines and six Eidgahs were demolished in Uttar Pradesh.

The report says Muslim organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, have opposed these measures. Opposition parties, including Congress, have also expressed concern over demolitions.

KMS says around 872,328 Waqf properties spread across 3.82 million acres face risks to their educational and welfare activities.

Political experts say the demolition of religious sites can affect worship, religious education, student accommodation, local employment and community welfare. They also say that international human rights experts have called for an end to demolition actions that disproportionately affect minorities.