TCN News
In a disturbing incident, an elderly Muslim shopkeeper was violently attacked by a Hindutva mob in Himachal Pradesh, which has witnessed a rise in Islamophobic incidents in recent weeks.
A purported video, which surfaced on social media on Tuesday, shows the mob aggressively beating the shopkeeper, while spectators cheer and blow whistles. The footage captures the man crying and pleading for mercy with folded hands.
However, the video also shows one man attempting to protect the elderly shopkeeper by pushing back the agitated attackers in the mob.
In another purported video that surfaced on social media on Sunday, the agitated mob, incited by Hindutva members, is seen attacking vendors and destroying their carts.
The mob can also be heard chanting provocative and inflammatory slogans against Muslims – “Katwe Mulle Nahi Chalenge; Mulle, Thulle Nahi Chalenge” and “Goli Maaro Saalon Ko, Mulle ke Dalalo Ko, Joote Maaro Salon Ko”.
“Mulle ke dalalo ko, Jhoote maaro salo ko, Mulle kazi nahi chalenge.”
In Himachal Pradesh’s Palampur, during a protest by Hindu organizations against Shimla’s, Sanjauli Mosque, the carts/Hawkers of Muslims were vandalised and Anti- slogans were raised. pic.twitter.com/0wY03ASYEc
— 👑 SHAIKH 👑 (@azharfru1) September 15, 2024
The situation escalated on Friday following a series of protests over an alleged illegal construction of a Mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli, which led to an Islamophobic rampage all over the state.
The ongoing violence and attacks reveal a disturbing reality for Muslims in Himachal Pradesh, where vandalism against their businesses and open hostility from Hindutva extremist groups have become alarmingly common. This has driven many Muslim businessmen to flee towns, concerned for their safety and livelihoods.
Local BJP leaders & traders in Himachal stage a protest against Muslim traders.
On the same day, PM @narendramodi & President @rashtrapatibhvn are tweeting best wishes on Milaad & want ‘harmony’ & ‘togetherness’ to always prevail all around the country.pic.twitter.com/P7pnvukUVV— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) September 16, 2024