By Muslim Mirror DeskĀ
In a shocking incident that has further inflamed communal tensions, a Muslim man’s shop in Nahan town of Sirmaur District inĀ Himachal Pradesh was attacked, looted, and vandalized by a Hindutva mob on Thursday. The violent assault occurred in the presence of the police, raising serious questions about the law enforcement’s role and effectiveness in preventing such acts.
Hindu organizations protested in Nahan area of Sirmaur over the alleged pictures posted on WhatsApp status by youth. According to the people the youth is a resident of UP, who was living in Nahan for a long time. SSP Sirmaur took cognizance on this matter & started investigation. pic.twitter.com/jfweCvXz3c
— Nikhil Choudhary (@NikhilCh_) June 19, 2024
After looting and vandalizing the Muslim youth’s shop, members of the Hindu community gathered outside the Nahan DC office, shouting slogans like “Goli Maaro Saalo Ko” and “Jai Shri Ram.”
After looting and vandalizing the Muslim youth's shop, the Hindu community gathered outside the Nahan DC office, shouting slogans like "Goli Maaro saalo ko" and "Jai Shri Ram".#HimachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/rtGMb8sBGT
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal001) June 19, 2024
The incident was triggered by a WhatsApp status shared by the shop owner, 42-year-old Mohammad Rafiq, depicting an animal sacrifice. The status, part of a customary celebration for Rafiq and his family, drew the ire of local right-wing groups who deemed it offensive and disrespectful.
Eyewitnesses reported that a large group of individuals, carrying saffron flags and chanting slogans, gathered outside Rafiq’s shop in the small town of Mandi. Despite the presence of police officers, the mob proceeded to break into the shop, ransacking and looting its contents. Shelves were overturned, goods were destroyed, and the shop was left in ruins.
“The police were right there, but they did nothing to stop them,” said Rafiq, visibly shaken by the ordeal. “They just stood by and watched as the mob destroyed everything I had worked so hard to build.”
Local residents expressed outrage and fear following the incident, accusing the authorities of turning a blind eye to the violence. “This is not the first time such an incident has occurred,” said Saba Begum, a community leader. “There is a growing sense of insecurity among Muslims here. We feel targeted and abandoned by those who are supposed to protect us.”
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including human rights organizations and political leaders. “This is a blatant act of communal violence, and it is unacceptable,” said Amina Khan, a spokesperson for the All India Progressive Women’s Association. “The police’s inaction is equally condemnable. They must be held accountable for failing to protect citizens.”
In response to the incident, Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister issued a statement condemning the violence and promising a thorough investigation. “We will ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said. “No one is above the law, and such acts of violence will not be tolerated.”
However, activists and community members remain skeptical, citing past instances where perpetrators of similar attacks have gone unpunished. “We have heard these promises before,” said Javed Akhtar, a local activist. “What we need now is action, not just words. The government must take concrete steps to protect minority communities and ensure justice is served.”
The attack on Rafiq’s shop is a grim reminder of the rising communal tensions in parts of India, where religious intolerance and mob violence have become disturbingly frequent. As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked a broader debate about the need for stronger measures to combat hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities.
The violence has left Rafiq and other Muslim shop ownersĀ living in fear.