Turkman Gate: Delhi Encroachment Drive Sparks Protests, Recalls 1976 Emergency Clashes

• Delhi High Court ordered removal of illegal encroachments near Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque, sparking protests at historic Turkman Gate.
• Turkman Gate, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, is named after Sufi saint Shah Turkman.
• The area witnessed its first bulldozer action on April 13, 1976, during the Emergency, reportedly on Sanjay Gandhi's instructions.
• The 1976 demolition led to widespread anger, general strikes, and a violent clash on April 19, resulting in injuries.
• Aurangzeb, son of Shah Jahan, has no direct connection to Turkman Gate, which was part of Shahjahanabad.

Why It Matters: Turkman Gate sees renewed anti-encroachment action, echoing its controversial past during the Emergency.