Liaquat Ali Khan’s Legacy: Mosque And Shops At The Center Of UP Land Dispute

In the heart of Muzaffarnagar, a bitter property dispute is igniting tensions, and at the center of it all is a mosque and four shops near the bustling Muzaffarnagar railway station. This property, dating back to the era of Partition, is tied to Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, with deep historical connections stretching back to his father, Rustam Ali Khan. The conflict, however, is not just about land—it’s a story that intertwines politics, religion, and legal complexities, dating back over a century.

The land in question has recently been declared “enemy property” by Indian authorities, sparking a heated debate. The investigation was initiated by a local group, Rashtriya Hindu Shakti Sangathan, led by Sanjay Arora. Arora has accused the mosque and the shops of being built illegally on land that belongs to Liaquat Ali Khan’s family. His claims include allegations that the mosque, “built like a hotel,” failed to meet local construction regulations and lacked approval from the Muzaffarnagar Development Authority. He further argues that the property falls under the Enemy Property Act, as it originally belonged to a Pakistani national post-Partition.

On the other hand, those who occupy the property claim it has long been a waqf—an Islamic endowment for religious purposes. Mohammad Athar, a local businessman, insists that the land was donated to the Waqf by Rustam Ali Khan in the early 20th century, and the mosque existed even before India’s Partition in 1947. He stresses that the property is a key livelihood source for several families, and the claim that it is enemy property is a misunderstanding of historical records.

The property’s history is rooted in the legacy of the Khan family. Rustam Ali Khan, a prominent figure in the region, owned the land since 1918. His son, Liaquat Ali Khan, went on to become a significant political figure in British India and Pakistan, serving as the country’s first Prime Minister. But the family’s ties to India were severed after the Partition in 1947, and their properties in India were labeled “enemy properties” under Indian law.

A crucial aspect of this dispute is the legal implications of the Enemy Property Act, which governs assets of Pakistani nationals. While the property has been declared “enemy property” following an investigation, the matter remains in contention, with both sides presenting differing legal and historical narratives.

The legal complexities are only further complicated by a growing divide over religious and political sentiments, adding a layer of emotion to what is fundamentally a property dispute. The future of the mosque and shops remains uncertain, with legal challenges expected to continue.

Muzaffarnagar’s ongoing land dispute is not just about ownership—it’s a reflection of the lasting wounds left by the Partition. As families continue to make their claims, the city finds itself at the crossroads of history, law, and politics.

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