New Delhi: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights has released a report warning of rising violence, fear, and displacement of Muslim communities in Uttarakhand. The report, titled “Violence and Displacement: Uttarakhand and the Politics of Hate”, was presented at a press conference attended by lawyers, activists, journalists, and former administrators.
Speakers said targeted intimidation has grown since the December 2021 dharam sansad. Journalist Kaushik Raj said Muslim shopkeepers face threats that force them to shut businesses and leave overnight. He said many families have lived in the region for five to six decades. He shared an exchange between a Muslim dry cleaner and a Hindu customer which showed daily social ties differ from political hostility.
Journalist Srishti Jaiswal said violence first surfaced in Uttarkashi and later spread to Chamoli and other districts. She said ordinary citizens now face exclusion and physical attacks in the name of legality. She said fear now shapes daily life and work.
Uttarakhand resident Shadab Alam said state focus has shifted away from unemployment, migration, health care, and development. He said religious polarisation diverts attention from governance gaps and deepens division.
Khurshid Ahmed said many people fear revealing their names or running shops openly. He said families live under constant pressure and loss of dignity has become routine.
Latafat Hussain of the Uttarakhand Andolan recalled that the state emerged through shared sacrifice of many communities. He said women still lack medical access and migration continues due to lack of jobs. He said hate campaigns now suppress public anger over failed services.
Harsh Mander said the present model of governance stands against constitutional values. He warned against portraying the state as a space where non Hindus feel unwelcome. He said every citizen holds a duty to defend equality.
Former Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung questioned the intent behind demolitions and targeted actions. He warned that propaganda and joblessness push young people toward hatred.
Former minister Yaqoob Siddiqi spoke of arrest without warrant in 2019. He asked who gave vigilantes the right to stop people and demand identity.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan said political groups, parts of the media, and agencies play a role in the pattern of violence. He urged creation of volunteer groups for truth and peace committees in each district.
The report records how fear and displacement now mark daily life. Speakers appealed for defence of dignity, equality, and the right to belong under the Constitution.
