Lucknow, May 22, 2026 — After Friday prayers, several senior Shi’a clerics, led by Imam-e-Juma Maulana Kalbe Jawad, inspected alleged unlawful construction at Hussainabad Trust land and Lajiz Gali. The clerics accused the district administration and concerned officials of felling trees to create parking lots and misusing property by pressuring around historic buildings.
They warned that if the administration does not stop the actions immediately, the community will stage a large protest.
Events and clerics’ statements
Imam-e-Juma Maulana Kalbe Jawad said the Hussainabad Trust land is the “property of the former rulers,” not the district administration’s private asset. He alleged that the administration or some of its agents are cutting trees and planning parking that will destroy the area’s religious and cultural identity. He warned that if these activities continue, the community will organize a peaceful but powerful protest.
Maulana Saif Abbas, president of the Shia Chand Committee, said RTI-obtained documents indicate the Archaeological Department has granted permission for works in Lajiz Gali. He reiterated that the community will not tolerate illegal activities and will launch a mass movement if the work is not halted immediately.
Dr. Kalbe Noori and Maulana Momin also accused the district administration of insensitivity toward local religious sites. Maulana Momin said the work in Lajiz Gali appears to be illegal encroachment that ignores the historic character of the area.
Key points and local sensitivities
Disputed area: Complainants claim tree felling and construction are taking place within Hussainabad Trust land and Lajiz Gali; some activity is said to be within about 300 meters of a historic building.
Religious-cultural impact: Clerics said the area is connected to religious faith and hosts traditional programs and mourning rituals; they fear parking and other construction will affect these practices and the site’s sanctity.
Allegations against police/administration: Speakers described the administration’s conduct as “thuggery” and “undue pressure,” alleging officials ignored community objections and in some cases showed leniency toward suppressing protests.
Promoters and organizers
Local sources say Advocate Misam Zaidi played a leading role in organizing the large inspection and gathering the clerics. Organizers said he coordinated various clerics and community members to bring leadership together and give the protest a unified voice.
Administrative status and possible next steps
Administration response: As of reporting, no formal statements were available from the district administration, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), or the Archaeological Department. The community has cited RTI records and said the relevant permission documents need verification.
Possible developments: Clerics and organizers warned that if tree felling, illegal construction, and other activities are not immediately stopped, they will move to large-scale protests and legal action. They claimed this movement could attract even larger public support than previous rallies, potentially raising security and administrative challenges in the area.
Note: To verify the allegations in this report, it is necessary to obtain documentary responses from the district administration, LDA and the Archaeological Department. Reporters are advised to include copies of permission letters, tree‑cutting orders and other official documents before publishing.
