AMBALA — On Saturday, a wave of mob violence swept through Ambala, Haryana, as members of Hindutva outfits stormed and vandalised several Muslim-owned shops. Shopkeepers were physically assaulted, properties were ransacked, and communal slurs were hurled at victims amid rising tensions.
The unrest follows a terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, which has triggered anger across several BJP-ruled states, including Haryana. Eyewitnesses reported that five to six Muslim-owned establishments were targeted, with mobs throwing goods onto the streets, damaging shop interiors, and attacking individuals present at the scene.
Videos widely circulated on social media show small police teams standing by as the violence unfolded, raising serious concerns about police inaction. Notably, Nelson Road and Rai Market witnessed severe disruptions, where mobs forced two shops to shut down. A particularly violent incident involved the destruction of the Shama Biryani Shop’s signboard and interior. Nearby, a juice cart and a flower vendor’s stall—both Muslim-owned—were overturned and looted.
Chanting provocative slogans, the mobs framed their attacks as a form of retaliation against Pakistan, despite no connection between local businesses and the Pahalgam incident. Hindu organisations have publicly called for action but have faced little restraint or consequences for their violent behavior.
While authorities claim that the situation is now under control with increased patrolling in sensitive areas, human rights groups and political observers have criticised the administration’s failure to act swiftly against the perpetrators. Local Muslims report growing fear and insecurity amid the rising communal tensions.
Despite clear video evidence of the attacks, police officials have downplayed the incidents as “minor,” further fuelling frustration among the affected communities.
