11 Jun. 24: In a troubling incident underscoring increasing intolerance against Muslims in India, a Muslim street vendor named Mohammed Umar Qureshi was reportedly assaulted and robbed by members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in Banganga, Himachal Pradesh.
Qureshi, originally from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, was working as a street vendor when the attack occurred. According to Qureshi, members of the Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accosted him, beat him, and looted his money, compelling him to chant “Jai Shri Ram.”
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Qureshi recounts his ordeal, stating that his attackers declared, “Now our government (Bharatiya Janata Party) has come to power. Muslims would no longer be allowed to exist.” He further detailed the physical abuse he suffered, which resulted in a fractured hand and broken ribs.
Qureshi also alleged a lack of support from local law enforcement. Despite reporting the incident to the police, he claims they refused to file a First Information Report (FIR).
This incident is part of a disturbing trend of violence and discrimination against Muslim vendors, particularly in North India, over the past few years.
