By Saleem Shaikh
MUMBAI: In recent years, both Israel and certain Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states in India have drawn criticism for their use of bulldozers to demolish the homes of Palestinians and Muslims, respectively. This practice reflects similar strategies in both nations, where bulldozers are not just tools for enforcing laws but serve as political instruments aimed at punishing specific communities.
Israel’s use of bulldozers in Palestinian territories
In Israel, the demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied territories is a long-standing policy. This tactic is often framed as “collective punishment,” targeting the relatives of individuals accused of terrorism, even when these relatives are not involved in any crimes. This policy has roots in the British Mandate period and continues to be a significant tool in Israeli operations against Palestinians.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly condemned this practice as a violation of human rights and labeled it as a potential war crime. Moreover, obtaining building permits for Palestinians in the West Bank is extremely difficult, effectively making many Palestinian homes “illegal” in the eyes of Israeli authorities and subject to demolition at any time. This reinforces the Israeli state’s power and control over Palestinian communities, limiting their rights to adequate housing.
Bulldozer politics in India
In India, the BJP government has adopted a similar approach, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The demolition of Muslim homes, especially following protests or communal violence, has become more frequent. These demolitions target not only individuals accused of participating in protests but often entire families, sending a broader message of deterrence and repression.
This strategy echoes the one used in Israel, where the aim is to intimidate and silence dissent by using public demolitions as a show of force. In many cases, legal procedures are bypassed, with little to no warning given to the residents, denying them the opportunity to seek legal recourse.
The Political use of demolitions
In both Israel and India, the use of bulldozers is more than a legal tool; it serves as a form of collective punishment and political repression. The dramatic and public nature of these demolitions magnifies their impact, reinforcing their symbolic role in subduing marginalized communities. The destruction of homes—places of safety, security, and belonging—is not only a physical loss but also a psychological and emotional attack on entire families.
The use of bulldozers to demolish homes in Israel and BJP-ruled states of India marks a troubling trend of human rights violations. These demolitions go beyond legal enforcement and instead function as tools for collective punishment, repression, and the silencing of political opposition. They raise serious concerns about the erosion of the rights of Muslims and Palestinians, who are often left without adequate legal protection or recourse.
*The author is connected with the Welfare Party of India.
