Muslim families are reportedly fleeing their homes amidst the tensions in Uttarkashi.
Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, has remained silent on the matter despite the images becoming increasingly popular on social media and raising concerns. On Sunday, Dhami, who was in the Uttarkashi area on a two-day tour, was observed plowing a village’s fields and seed millets.
In a statement to the media earlier on Friday, Dhami stated that the administration has “called for strict investigation and action against love jihad cases.” The CM added that “people will only be able to live in Uttarakhand after verification” and that “we are working against that strictly” whether it be land jihad or love jihad.
However, the CM has not yet released a statement regarding the reported exodus of Muslim families from the district or the ultimatum that right-wing organizations allegedly issued to them.
The interfaith tensions trace back to May 26 after two men, a Muslim and a Hindu, allegedly tried to abduct a 14-year-old girl.
The presence of a Muslim guy apparently led to suspicions and rumors of “love jihad” spreading like wildfire in the community. The term “love jihad” has been coined by Hindutva right-wing organizations to single out Muslim men and alleging that their only objective is to “lure and trap” Hindu women in order to convert them to Islam.
The two men, Jitendra Saini and Ubaid Khan were detained by police and charged with kidnapping under IPC sections 363 and 366A (procuring minor girls) in violation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The girl was then sent back to her home.
An investigating officer in the case, according to a report, denied that this had anything to do with “love jihad.” The girl was unfamiliar with these people. The officer is quoted as adding, “There is no love jihad angle.
Dire Consequences’ Muslims threatened through ‘Rallies’ and ‘Posters’
A big gathering was held in Purola on May 29 by right-wing organizations calling for Muslims to leave the town. Soon after, tensions in the neighborhood began to rise. Mobs were seen trashing Muslim-owned businesses despite the presence of police in the rally’s viral videos.
“Love jihadis have been advised that they must close their stores before the Mahapanchayat on June 15th. The signs warned, “If you don’t do this, it (the outcome) will be seen at the moment.
Posters threatening Muslim business owners to close their doors were signed by organization named Dev Bhoomi Raksha Abhiyan.
Within one or two hours, the posters were taken down, and the police filed a suo motu FIR against unknown individuals. According to the police, they had no idea who had put up the posters.
A local businessman from the Muslim community told that the posters, bearing offensive messages, were hung outside 30 to 35 Muslim-owned businesses in the region on late Sunday night. Since only locals are aware of which stores are owned by Muslims, the posters must have been placed up by a local, he added.
Not alone in Purola were Muslims subjected to harassment. The shutters of Muslim-owned businesses in the neighboring town of Barkot were identified by a black cross.
Pictures of this quickly spread on social media, where many commented that it reminded them of the way Jewish traders were persecuted in Nazi Germany.
BJP Minority Cell Chief who is Muslim also not spared
In the unfortunate turn of events, even individuals associated with the BJP faced immense pressure for leaving the town. Mr. Zahid, who has been living in Uttarkashi for over two decades, is the head of the BJP’s minority cell in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
On the evening of June 6, Zahid closed his clothing shop and reluctantly left the area. When I am not safe, how will other Muslims stay safe there?), said Zahid.
According to Zahid, he didn’t receive any support from his party and was told to stay quiet.
Zahid joined the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), 3-years ago and has since been well-liked in the neighborhood.
Reports of Muslims closing their stores and homes overnight and leaving have increased since Zahid and his family fled.
The deportation of Muslims from Uttarkashi, raises concerns about the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and harmony of all its citizens, and the changing face of ‘not so democratic’ India.
