'Halal Lifestyle Township' near Mumbai stirs row, NHRC's Priyank Kanoongo calls it 'nation within the nation'

The advertisement shows a woman talking about the Sukoon Empire that promotes "like-minded families" driven by "same values" and "a halal environment".

The promotional video has reference to a man with a skull cap teaching a child at home as well as a mosque.

Dressed in a hijab, a woman presenter was heard saying in the video, "Is it correct to sacrifice principles for families in a society? Rediscover in Sukoon Empire authentic community living, likeminded families that share the same values, a place where kids safely grow in a halal environment, elders receive respect and care naturally, prayer spaces and community gatherings are within walking distance and people are surrounded by spiritual wellness.

"This investment will not only secure your money but also the family's future. Experience values-driven community, feel the difference visiting this weekend."

The video was shared by National Commission for National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo who said, "This is not advertisement but poison distribution. In the Karjat area near Mumbai, a township with halal lifestyle is being built exclusively for those of the Muslim faith. This is a Nation Within The Nation, and the Maharashtra government is being issued a notice."

Speaking to ANI, Priyank said, "We received a complaint from the Sahyadri Rights Forum NGO that in Maharashtra's Karjat area, a township is being developed that is providing facilities only for the habitation of Muslims. If separate settlements are being built for Muslims in India, in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maharashtra, by creating fear that Muslims cannot live with Hindus and giving them separate settlements, then this clearly reflects the implementation of the principle of nation within the nation.

"We will not allow this to happen. We have issued a notice to the chief secretary of Maharashtra. This is not a matter that will stop here. Today, you are claiming that you want houses where only Muslims live... Then one day, you might demand a separate state for Muslims in Maharashtra. This is a serious type of disease. We have asked the chief secretary how the permission was granted to form such a society; submit a report to us on this."

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally issued a notice to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary and MahaRERA, demanding an explanation of the legal basis for approving a project that appears to be exclusive to one religion.

The notice calls the project a communal breach of constitutional values and asks for a report within two weeks.

Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) Spokesperson Krishna Hegde demanded the withdrawal of the campaign video and initiated a call for a thorough government inquiry into the project's intent and legality.

Ajit Chavan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson, criticised the township as part of a broader "Ghazwa-e-Hind" attempt, calling it unconstitutional and an affront to India’s secularism. He demanded strict punitive action against the developers.