Indore: The Juni Indore cloth market, once a symbol of coexistence between Hindu and Muslim traders, is now gripped by fear and uncertainty after local political leaders issued warnings targeting Muslim shopkeepers.
The unease began when BJP MLA Ramesh Mendola allegedly told Muslim traders to vacate the area following a communal clash in August 2023. That equilibrium further cracked when Indore BJP vice-president Aklavya Gaur, who also heads the right-wing group Hindu Rakshak, gave an ultimatum to Muslim traders to leave the market by October 25.
Aklavya, son of Indore-4 MLA Malini Gaur, first gained attention in 2021 when he and his supporters stormed a café hosting comedian Munawar Faruqui, accusing him of insulting Hindu deities. Speaking about his latest warning, Aklavya claimed that “for the last two years, there have been complaints of women being harassed” in the market, adding that victims approached his mother rather than the police due to the “sensitive nature” of the issue.
Muslim traders, however, deny the allegations and say they are being unfairly targeted. Many report being boycotted, facing threats, and losing customers. Some have shut their shops temporarily, while others are contemplating relocation. Hindu traders, too, say business has suffered as political tensions replace long-standing trust.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have condemned the ultimatum and Mendola’s earlier remarks, calling them unconstitutional and divisive. The BJP has not commented officially.
