Amid rising tensions in Uttarkashi, India, posters have emerged in the main market of Purola town, warning Muslim traders to vacate their shops before June 15. The posters surfaced shortly after right-wing protests took place in Barkot, where shops and houses belonging to Muslims were reportedly attacked. The recent unrest stems from an alleged abduction attempt on a 14-year-old girl involving two men, one from the minority community. While the police have arrested the suspects, the situation remains volatile, with Muslims facing threats and seeking refuge.
Hindutva extremists have been targeting shops and houses of Muslim traders in Uttarkashi, chanting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram.” The posters in the Purola main market specifically instructed Muslim traders to vacate their shops before a mahapanchayat (grand council) scheduled for June 15. The messages, part of the “Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan” (campaign for the protection of land), warned of consequences if the traders failed to comply. Despite the ongoing migration of Muslims, vandalism against their properties continues.
The tension originated from the alleged abduction attempt on a 14-year-old girl, for which Ubed Khan and Jitender Saini were arrested on May 27. Local residents labeled it as a case of ‘love jihad,’ a term used by right-wing groups to describe an alleged conspiracy by Muslim men to entice Hindu women. Although not officially recognized by courts and the government, the term remains influential among certain groups. The incident has further fueled the communal divide in Uttarkashi.
Approximately 30-40 out of 650-700 shops in the Purola main market are run by Muslim traders. The issuance of threatening posters has created an atmosphere of fear, prompting Muslims to keep their shops closed and, in some cases, flee the district. Saleem, a garment shop owner who has sought refuge in Dehradun, called for compensation from the authorities for the properties left behind. Other Muslims expressed condemnation of criminal activities while demanding strict action against the culprits.
The police have removed the posters and initiated an investigation to identify those responsible for their placement. Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police, Arpan Yaduvanshi, assured that efforts are underway to maintain law and order. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, Virender Rana, claimed that local residents posted threatening posters in the interest of communal harmony and to address concerns regarding alleged misconduct by outsiders.
Read More: Hajj 2023 Sermon Now Available in 14 Languages
Muslim families have handed over a memorandum to the Purolo sub-divisional magistrate, seeking financial assistance and security to reopen their businesses. They emphasized that the administration would be held accountable for any untoward incidents. The sub-divisional magistrate, Devanand Sharma, assured that the law and order situation is under control, with the administration closely monitoring the developments to ensure peace and harmony.
During recent protests, right-wing groups demanded the verification of individuals coming from outside to conduct business in Uttarkashi. They alleged that individuals from a specific community engaged in immoral activities, polluting the atmosphere. The Purola Vyapar Mandal president, Brij Mohan Chauhan, suggested conducting a verification drive of all Muslim traders and shopkeepers to identify any wrongdoers.
The rising tensions in Uttarkashi, triggered by an alleged abduction attempt and subsequent communal polarization, have led to the intimidation and displacement of Muslim traders. The posters threatening Muslim traders to vacate their shops, along with the targeted attacks on their properties, have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The authorities have taken steps to remove the posters and maintain law and order, but the situation remains volatile. It is crucial for the administration to address the concerns of the affected Muslim traders, ensure their safety, and foster an environment of communal harmony and coexistence in Uttarakhand.
