Congress govt’s inaction, state ministers’ Islamophobic speeches escalated communal violence in Himachal Pradesh: APCR report : Valley Vision

The Congress government’s inaction, along with speeches by state ministers that alienated Muslims, escalated the communal violence in Himachal Pradesh last month, according to a fact-finding report by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights.

The fact-finding report titled ‘CREATING THE MUSLIM: OUTSIDER; Hate Speech, Migrant Vulnerability, and Faltering Law & Order in Himachal Pradesh’ criticized the role of Congress leaders in the communal tension in Himachal Pradesh as ineffective.

“In September, Himachal Pradesh witnessed escalating communal tensions sparked by Hindutva groups protesting the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla. The protests turned violent, with clashes between protesters and police resulting in injuries. The controversy centred around the mosque’s construction, deemed unauthorised by Hindutva organisations. Hindutva organisations demanded the mosque’s demolition, citing illegal construction. In response, the Muslim community offered to demolish the unauthorised section voluntarily, in compliance with a court ruling. However, tensions continued to rise and Hindutva groups advocated for the mosque’s complete demolition. The protests took a violent turn on September 11, with protesters clashing with police and attempting to breach barricades in Sanjauli. The Himachal Pradesh government deployed additional security forces to maintain law and order. From Sanjauli, the violent protests against Muslims spread to the entire Himachal including Shimla’s Nerwa and Kasumpti, Mandi, Chamba, Bilaspur, Una, Palampur, and Nagrota Bagwan of Kangra, Hamirpur, Sirmaur and other districts,” read the report.

The report further said: “The role of Congress leaders in the communal tension in Himachal Pradesh has been criticised as ineffective. According to reports, the Congress government failed to address the growing tensions, leading to increased fear within the Muslim community. The situation escalated to the point where protesters clashed with police and shops were vandalised in Mandi, Palampur, Sanjauli, Kullu, and Solan. The fact-finding team visited all these locations.”

The report named two Congress ministers, Vikramaditya Singh and Anirudh Singh, who allegedly made Islamophobic remarks in their speeches.

It went on to say: “Specifically, in the Sanjauli Mosque issue, the Congress government’s inaction was seen as enabling the communal tensions to spread. Vikramaditya Singh and Anirudh Singh, both ministers in the Himachal Pradesh Congress government, made some significant Islamophobic statements during this conflict. While Anirudh questioned the citizenship of Muslim workers in Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya stated that all vendors will now have to display their IDs outside their shops. The decision was rolled back after significant criticism. The lack of decisive action from Congress leadership allowed the situation to spiral out of control.”

The report read: “The incident has exacerbated communal tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities, affecting local businesses and residents. The controversy highlights concerns about minority rights and freedom of religion in India. The rise of communal politics has contributed to increased tensions, with Himachal Pradesh becoming a focal point. The events unfolding in Himachal Pradesh have sparked widespread concern and debate. The need for dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution has become increasingly urgent. As the situation continues to unfold, attention will remain focused on the state government’s response and the measures taken to address communal tensions.”

The report included testimonies from survivors and witnesses in Shimla, Sanjauli, Mandi, Solan, Kullu, and Palampur.

“I have been working here for four years and have never seen such an environment. Sanjauli was completely peaceful. But now I can see the atmosphere changing. During the protests, the entire Sanjauli market was shut and we were hidden in our houses. We opened the shop in the afternoon the next day after the administration assured us of our safety. Many Muslims, especially from UP who used to work as labourers and vendors have left in fear. We have invested a lot in our shop. We cannot leave like them overnight. The shop is on rent and our landlord has supported us. Even our house is on rent. The locals are supportive but we are very fearful of Hindutva organisations. We have also verified our identities at the local police station,” Altaf Hussain, 25, works in a shop in the main Sanjauli market told the fact-finding team.

I have lived next to the mosque my entire life and I have never seen Muslims there misbehave with women. This controversy is created for a political game. There was no issue with the mosque before,” 55-year-old Sunita who lives near the mosque in Sanjauli and was a witness to the protest and vandalism by the Hindu far-right groups protesting against the mosque since 1 September 2024, said.

She said, “When the first Hindutva rally was called in Sanjauli on 1st September, an innocent Muslim vendor was hit on his head by protestors. He used to sell vegetables at the Sanjauli Chowk. Then again on 11th September, after the call of Vishwa Hindu Parishad when the protestors took over Sanjauli mall road, I was very scared. The vandalism was happening in front of my eyes. I couldn’t believe that so many violent people were there. I was alone in my house. As a Hindu, I was even scared for my safety.”

She further said, “Since the protests have started against Muslims, they have been really scared. They do not talk to anyone. I try to build their confidence in local Himachalis and many Muslim families have appreciated our support. But it is very difficult for them.”

“They call us outsiders, a specific community, which is code word for discrimination against Muslims. I don’t like it. We are not outsiders or a specific community. In fact, I have to go to two weddings next week. Both of them are Hindus. We are a part of society here,” said Anwar Ali, 45, general secretary of the mosque committee.

The report, which urged the government to take proactive steps to ensure the security of Muslims—such as increasing police presence in sensitive areas and engaging in dialogue with community leaders—also recommended that the government deny permission for rallies that could incite communal conflicts, as identified by intelligence agencies or local authorities.

The report also called for fostering inclusive dialogue by promoting open communication between Hindu and Muslim communities to encourage understanding and peaceful resolution. it also demanded enhanced social media monitoring to track and counter inflammatory content on social media platforms.