Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, June 21: In a disturbing incident that has heightened communal tensions, a Muslim man’s shop in Nahan town of Sirmaur District was attacked, looted, and vandalized by a Hindutva mob on Thursday. The attack occurred in the presence of police officers, raising serious concerns about law enforcement’s role and effectiveness in preventing such violence.
The attack on 42-year-old Mohammad Rafiq’s shop was reportedly triggered by a WhatsApp status he shared, depicting an animal sacrifice as part of a customary celebration. This status angered local right-wing groups who found it offensive.
Eyewitnesses described a large group of individuals, carrying saffron flags and chanting slogans like “Goli Maaro Saalo Ko” and “Jai Shri Ram,” gathering outside Rafiq’s shop. Despite the police presence, the mob broke into the shop, overturning shelves and destroying goods, leaving the establishment in ruins.
“The police were right there, but they did nothing to stop them,” said Rafiq, visibly shaken. “They just stood by and watched as the mob destroyed everything I had worked so hard to build.”
Local residents expressed their outrage and fear, accusing authorities of neglecting their duty to protect citizens. “This is not the first time such an incident has occurred,” said Saba Begum, a community leader. “There is a growing sense of insecurity among Muslims here. We feel targeted and abandoned by those who are supposed to protect us.”
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and political leaders. “This is a blatant act of communal violence, and it is unacceptable,” said Amina Khan, spokesperson for the All India Progressive Women’s Association. “The police’s inaction is equally condemnable. They must be held accountable for failing to protect citizens.”
In response, Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister issued a statement condemning the violence and promising a thorough investigation. “We will ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said. “No one is above the law, and such acts of violence will not be tolerated.”
Despite these assurances, activists and community members remain skeptical, citing previous instances where perpetrators of similar attacks have gone unpunished. “We have heard these promises before,” said Javed Akhtar, a local activist. “What we need now is action, not just words. The government must take concrete steps to protect minority communities and ensure justice is served.”
The attack on Rafiq’s shop is a stark reminder of the rising communal tensions in parts of India, where religious intolerance and mob violence have become disturbingly frequent. As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked a broader debate about the need for stronger measures to combat hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities.
The violence has left Rafiq and other Muslim shop owners in Nahan living in fear, uncertain of their future in a community that once was their home.
