Kheda: Tensions have emerged in parts of Gujarat’s Kheda district after several Hindu residents from villages in Matar taluka staged a protest and marched to the Collector’s office, seeking government intervention. The protesters demanded that their areas be declared “disturbed zones”, raising concerns over a large residential housing project allegedly being developed for members of the Muslim community.
Residents submitted a memorandum to the district administration claiming that a major housing project is coming up in villages, including Traj in Matar taluka. They alleged that the project could be used to settle Bangladeshi infiltrators in the area, potentially altering the local demographic balance. Some local Hindu organisations have termed the issue “land jihad”.
The Collector reportedly assured that officials would carry out a detailed investigation and take necessary steps to maintain law and order in the area. The groups also claimed that similar projects are being developed by Muslim builders across the district, which they say has created concern among sections of the Hindu population.
Villagers further alleged that agricultural land on the village outskirts has been converted into non-agricultural land, where construction of a large housing society comprising around 200–300 houses is underway. The project is reportedly being developed by Amjad Khan under the name “Ambar Courtyard”, with the slogan “One dream, our land, our home.”
Residents also alleged that the houses in the project are being offered only to members of the Muslim community, and that people from other religions are not being considered for purchase. Locals have also questioned how large tracts of agricultural land were converted for residential use and have demanded an inquiry into the approval process.
“Not limited to one village,” say Hindu organisations
Bajrang Dal’s Kheda-Andan division coordinator, Dhavalsinh Jhala, claimed that the issue is not confined to a single village but is occurring across several parts of the district. According to him, similar housing projects are allegedly being developed in multiple talukas and villages of Kheda.
He further claimed that large-scale housing construction is underway in Kheda city as well as in villages and towns of Matar taluka and Mehmedabad under similar arrangements. The organisation has alleged that such projects could be intended to provide permanent accommodation to people displaced during demolition drives near Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad, some of whom they suspect to be Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Fear of illegal immigrants settling in the area
In their representation to the administration, local Hindu organisations highlighted three key concerns, the first being a potential shift in the population structure. Residents claim that the settlement of people from outside the village, particularly from Ahmedabad and nearby areas, could alter the demographic balance and potentially reduce the Hindu population to a minority in the future.
The second concern raised by residents relates to the possible settlement of illegal immigrants in the proposed housing society. Villagers claim that people displaced during demolition drives in areas such as Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad could potentially move into these newly developed residential projects.
In Garmala village of Matar taluka, another housing project called “Aashiyana Residency” has also reportedly sparked protests among residents. Villagers alleged that a Hindu man was recently attacked by some Muslim individuals from Ahmedabad, following which a police complaint was registered under Section 307 (attempt to murder).
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) district general secretary Haresh Patel claimed that certain anti-social elements often gather near a dargah located close to an ancient temple near Bhalada village. He alleged that one night a fire broke out at the temple, while the nearby dargah remained unaffected. Following this incident, several Hindu organisations have opposed the settlement of more Muslim residents in the area. According to them, a video related to the alleged arson incident at the temple has been shared with OpIndia.
Residents from villages including Traj, Koshiyal, Pipariya, Machhiyel and Khadiyapura have submitted memorandums not only to the district administration but also to multiple authorities, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, the Superintendent of Police, and various religious and social organisations. In their appeal, villagers have demanded that the housing projects be halted immediately and that the provisions of the Disturbed Areas Act be implemented across the region.
