Himachal Pradesh is witnessing an alarming increase in Islamophobia, reflecting a disturbing trend that has spilled over from neighboring Uttarakhand. There, state-sponsored anti-Muslim campaigns, allegedly led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, have gained traction. Critics are now accusing the Himachal Pradesh Congress government of adopting pro-Hindutva policies, particularly following the announcement of new ID requirements for restaurant owners that caught the party off guard.
On September 25, Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that all restaurants and fast-food outlets must display the ID of their owners to prevent consumer-related issues. His Facebook post, which included the slogan“Jai Shri Ram,” has since drawn criticism, leading the government to distance itself from the order.
Since assuming office in 2021, Dhami has advanced a troubling anti-Muslim agenda, alleging demographic changes due to “land jihad,”“love jihad,” and “mazaar jihad.” He has claimed that “Bangladeshi Muslims and Rohingyas” are encroaching on land in Uttarakhand, despite the lack of any evidence for the presence of Rohingya Muslims in the state.
This rhetoric has seemingly yielded electoral success, as Dhami secured a considerable majority in both the assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Despite the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) being in limbo, Dhami has celebrated Uttarakhand’s passage of the UCC, ignoring warnings that state laws cannot override federal regulations on marriage and adoption. Opposition leader Karan Mahara labelled Dhami’s anti-Muslim statements as a distraction from his administration’s failures.
The recent spike in violence against Muslims and mosques in Himachal Pradesh has startled many residents. Muslims comprise only 2.2% of the state’s population, with even fewer in Uttarakhand at 13%. On September 11, violent clashes erupted over demands to demolish an allegedly unauthorized mosque in Shimla, an issue that had been unresolved in court for a decade. Right-wing groups, particularly the Hindu Jagran Manch, have ramped up door-to-door campaigns, urging locals to take action against perceived “illegal constructions.”
Protesters, defying prohibitory orders, gathered outside the mosque chanting slogans like “Himachal ne thanahai, devbhoomi ko bachanahai,” asserting the need to protect their holy land. These altercations resulted in injuries to several police officers and led to widespread protests across various towns.
Earlier, on June 26, a Hindutva mob in Nahan looted shops owned by Muslims over unfounded cow slaughter allegations. Journalist Kaushik Raj noted that despite video evidence of incitement, the police have made no arrests. Many Muslim shopkeepers have since fled, losing both their livelihoods and homes.
Historically, the Congress party has alternated power with the BJP in Himachal Pradesh for the last 30 years. Following the Congress’s return to power in December 2022, Hindutva organizations have intensified their activities, including the public seizure of trucks suspected of smuggling cows.
This environment has emboldened Hindutva groups to launch campaigns targeting Muslims economically and socially. In June 2023, seven Muslim shopkeepers were forced to leave Uttarakhand due to a similar anti-Muslim campaign. A parallel situation is developing in Himachal, as local leaders incite hostility against returning Muslims.
In a video, municipal councillor Dinesh Aggarwal made threatening remarks against Muslims, claiming that Hindus need to take action against them. This rhetoric is part of a broader campaign to incite fear and foster division within the community.
Recent demonstrations against mosques in both states have led to calls for demolitions based on dubious legal claims. In Uttarkashi, a mosque was targeted amid allegations of illegal construction, despite evidence verifying its lawful status.
Himachal Pradesh, a state historically known for its peaceful coexistence, is now mired in rising hate speech and violence. The local government faces the challenge of managing this crisis while calls for mob justice grow louder. Chief Minister Sukhu has publicly opposed vigilantism, emphasizing the need for legal resolutions.
Political analysts suggest that these protests are a strategic effort by the BJP to destabilize the Congress government following their defeat in the 2022 elections. By fostering discord and division, the BJP appears to be attempting to recreate the environment seen in Uttarakhand, thus endangering the fragile communal harmony in Himachal Pradesh.