Muslim Tensions: In Uttarkashi reached a boiling point on May 26 when two men allegedly attempted to kidnap a girl, triggering a series of events that led to right-wing groups branding it as a ‘love jihad’ conspiracy. In response to the escalating communal tensions in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district and the perceived threat of expulsion against the Muslim community, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, the chief of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, wrote a letter on Tuesday addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. In the letter, Madani expressed deep concerns and urged the authorities to intervene to prevent further communal violence in the state.
Muslim Body Chief Raises Concerns to Amit Shah over Escalating Communal Tensions and ‘Love Jihad’ Allegations in Uttarkashi
Madani specifically appealed for the cancellation of the upcoming mahapanchayat, scheduled for June 15 and organized by right-wing organizations, as he believed it could exacerbate the already volatile situation. He stated, “I request you to halt the event (maha-panchayat) scheduled to be held on June 15, which may lead to a communal conflict in the state and further increase the gulf between Hindu and Muslim communities.”
The Uttarakashi district administration has already denied permission for the mahapanchayat called by Hindu organizations on June 15. Madani also called for strict action against any divisive forces and emphasized the need to protect the lives and property of all citizens, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background. He highlighted that Uttarakhand had been known for its exemplary law and order conditions and communal harmony, and the current situation in Uttarkashi was not in line with the state’s nature.
The incident on May 26 involved the alleged abduction attempt of a 14-year-old girl by two men, Ubed Khan and Jitender Saini, who were subsequently arrested. Right-wing groups quickly labeled it as a ‘love jihad’ conspiracy. Subsequent protests in Purola turned violent, with attacks on shops belonging to the Muslim community. Posters threatening Muslim traders to shut their shops by June 15 appeared during the protests. In response, Muslim religious leaders in Dehradun called for a separate “mahapanchayat” on June 18 to protest the increasing targeting of their community.
Madani’s letter also criticized the government and its agencies for their perceived inaction, which he believed aggravated the communal situation. He expressed concern over the open display of posters and videos promoting Islamophobia and communalism, with local police seemingly standing by as mere spectators. This atmosphere of increasing division and erosion of communal harmony deeply troubled Madani.
In an attempt to address the concerns of the Muslim community, members of the Uttarakhand Waqf Board and the Haj Committee met with Chief Minister Dhami and called for strict action against those responsible for harassing Muslims in Purola town. The members submitted a memorandum outlining the grievances faced by the Muslim community, emphasizing that they were hurt, harassed, and scared.
Muslim Body Chief’s Urgent Plea to Amit Shah Over Escalating Communal Tensions in Uttarakhand
Efforts to restore peace through a peace meeting held in Purola town on Monday did not yield the desired outcome. The meeting, which involved administrative officials, representatives from right-wing organizations, Muslim community members, and trade association members, was disrupted by uninvited individuals. Heated arguments ensued when these individuals questioned why the remaining Muslim shopkeepers had not left if some had already departed. As a result, the meeting ended without reaching a consensus.
The situation in Uttarkashi remains tense, with communal tensions on the rise and allegations of ‘love jihad’ dividing communities. The appeal from Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani to Amit Shah and Pushkar Singh Dhami seeks to draw attention
to the escalating tensions and emphasizes the need for prompt intervention to prevent further violence and protect the interests of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.
