In India’s deportation drive, Muslim men recount being tossed into the sea
In this compelling photo essay, Zishaan A. Latif documents the demolition of homes belonging to Muslim families in the Chandola Lake area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Through a series of powerful images, the work captures the human impact of a large-scale demolition drive undertaken by civic authorities, officially described as part of an environmental and encroachment removal exercise. Photographed in the aftermath of the April 2025 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the images situate the demolitions within a broader and highly charged socio-political context. The timing of the drive, which coincided with actions targeting suspected undocumented immigrants in several parts of the country, raised questions among affected residents and civil society groups regarding the motivations and implications of the exercise. Zishaan's photographs move beyond documenting the physical destruction of homes to reveal the profound uncertainty, displacement, and loss experienced by families caught in the process. Through intimate and empathetic visual storytelling, the work foregrounds the voices and experiences of communities living at the intersection of state action, identity, and vulnerability. The photo essay stands as a significant example of public interest photojournalism, bearing witness to events of national significance while documenting their human consequences with sensitivity, nuance, and visual rigour.
Read the Story →Zishaan A. Latif is an independent photographer and visual artist whose work spans a wide range of genres and visual practices. Working independently since 2005, he has developed a distinctive body of work shaped by intuition, curiosity, and a deeply personal approach to storytelling.
Unconstrained by conventional boundaries or established schools of visual thought, Zishaan's practice explores diverse subjects, formats, and artistic expressions. His work often moves fluidly between documentary photography, artistic experimentation, and visual narratives, reflecting both personal engagement and a commitment to exploring the possibilities of the medium.
Beyond still photography, Zishaan frequently incorporates multiple forms of artistic expression into his creative practice, including motion picture and sound, while experimenting with varied textures, formats, and visual techniques. This multidisciplinary approach has enabled him to create compelling and evocative narratives across platforms.
Over the course of his career, Zishaan's work has been exhibited, published, and featured in both commercial and non-commercial collections and exhibitions around the world. Through his photography and visual art, he continues to push creative boundaries while documenting stories with sensitivity, depth, and originality.
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