Durg: Diwali celebrations in Durg, Chhattisgarh, were marred by communal hostility this year as members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a rally under the banner “Our Festival, Our Business.” The groups urged Hindus to boycott Muslim-owned shops, passing through key market areas where Muslim traders sell diyas, sweets, and firecrackers. Inflammatory slogans and posters warned that harming Hindu interests could lead to street violence, creating a tense atmosphere in the city.
Many Muslim shopkeepers reported a sharp decline in sales. Mohammad Arif, a local resident, said the boycott instilled fear even among longtime Hindu customers. Rafiq Khan, another trader, described the financial loss as devastating, adding that the festive spirit was replaced by anxiety. Social media amplified the message, urging Hindus to avoid Muslim vendors.
Experts warn that such campaigns exploit festivals to deepen communal divides. Prof Shamsuddin Ali from Raipur said extremist groups use these occasions to spread fear and that authorities’ inaction emboldens them. Local Muslim leaders condemned the rally, calling for calm. Maulana Abdul Rehman urged peaceful resistance and encouraged Hindus to oppose injustice.
Civil rights activists criticised the administration for failing to protect traders. Advocate Nasreen Khan highlighted that India’s constitution guarantees equality and freedom to trade for all citizens and questioned the lack of intervention. Citizens and students voiced dismay, saying festivals should unite communities.
As videos of the rally circulate online, demands for accountability are growing. Citizens call for strict enforcement of laws to safeguard livelihoods and ensure festivals remain occasions of unity and celebration.
