Muslim delegation meets Uttarakhand DGP amid reports that boards ‘barring non-Hindus’ have come up

“It is known that the unpleasant incident that happened in Nandghat of Chamoli district due to a mere allegation is shocking and condemnable. The majority local and extremist groups created an atmosphere by giving hate speeches against the local minority Muslims, in the heat of which local people targeted shops, houses and places of worship of the Muslims looted them, and pelted stones,” said Kazmi in a letter to the DGP.

He claimed that amid the fear, many Muslims there have migrated and are afraid to return to Nandghat for their living and livelihood because warning boards have been put up at different places in the state.

Earlier this month, a mob vandalised around a dozen shops owned by Muslims in Chamoli’s Nandanagar following an allegation that a 25-year-old man from the community made an obscene gesture toward a minor girl. The police had then lodged an FIR against 300 unidentified people.

“Such incidents which happened some time back at different places in our state are harming humanity, mutual harmony and the image of Uttarakhand, hence it is expected from you that in the present incident, the affected Muslims will be rehabilitated and strict and fair legal action will be taken against the persons involved and mischievous elements so that the victims can get individual and collective justice,” said Kazmi in the letter.

Talking to The Indian Express, Kazmi said that he has photos showing boards put up at several locations in Rudraprayag district, threatening non-Hindus and Rohingya Muslims of dire and legal consequences if found roaming or doing business in their villages.