Khudai Khidmatgar protests evictions and hate crimes, extends support to victims

By Bharat Dogra

Khudai Khidmatgar (KK), the organization founded by Badshah Khan during India’s freedom movement, continues to carry forward its legacy of non-violent struggle and service. Deeply admired by Mahatma Gandhi for its commitment to justice, KK has been revived in recent times by leading social activist Faisal Khan and his colleagues. The organization now plays an active role in promoting inter-faith harmony and addressing pressing social issues across India.

In a recent review of its activities, KK highlighted its work among victims of arbitrary evictions and hate crimes.

In June, the homes of around 100 economically poor families in Goalpara, Assam, were demolished by bulldozers. KK protested the demolitions and dispatched a team to deliver food, clothing, and tarpaulin sheets to the affected families.

KK also raised concerns about the impending eviction of nearly 10,000 people from several villages in the Chap Revenue Circle of Dhubri district, also in Assam. These evictions are reportedly to make way for a power plant. A KK team visited the threatened communities to provide food and assess other urgent needs.

Beyond evictions, KK has been vocal against hate crimes. In Uttarakhand, Mujib, a resident of Juwalapur, was brutally beaten with sticks in Haridwar and hospitalized in an unconscious state. As the family’s sole breadwinner, Mujib required long-term treatment. KK members visited his home to offer support and demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable.

Earlier, on May 24 in Panipat, Haryana, tailor Firdaus Alam was assaulted with a stick during a morning walk. He died the following day in hospital. Firdaus had been married just seven months earlier. KK activists visited his family, offering both support and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy.

While actively addressing such injustices, KK continues its broader mission of fostering inter-faith harmony. It has been creating platforms for sustained dialogue to counter long-standing misunderstandings among communities. Public support for this work has grown, reflecting a rising desire for peace and mutual respect.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Man Over Machine—Gandhian Path to Peace, A Day in 2071, Navjeevan, and The Guardians of Himalayas—Vimla and Sunderlal Bahuguna

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