Creating the Muslim Outsider: Hate speech, migrant vulnerability, and faltering law & order in Himachal

The report on “Creating the Muslim Outsider: Hate Speech, Migrant Vulnerability, and Faltering Law & Order in Himachal Pradesh” published by Association for Protection of Human Rights provides a detailed account of the communal tensions in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the context of recent protests and clashes driven by Hindutva organizations.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Communal Tensions Sparked by Mosque Controversy: In September 2024, Himachal Pradesh saw escalating communal tensions following protests by Hindutva groups demanding the demolition of the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla. The mosque was alleged to have been constructed illegally, although it had been established on legally endowed waqf land. Despite the Muslim community offering to voluntarily demolish the unauthorized sections, the protests turned violent, spreading to various parts of the state.
2. Violent Protests Across the State: Starting in Shimla, the protests against Muslims quickly spread to multiple districts including Mandi, Solan, Palampur, and Kullu. The protests were marked by violent clashes, vandalism of Muslim-owned shops, and inflammatory slogans. Many of the incidents involved attacks on migrant laborers and traders, most of whom were Muslims from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Kashmir.
3. Role of Political Leaders: The report criticizes Congress leaders for failing to address the growing tensions. Islamophobic statements made by prominent Congress ministers, such as questioning the citizenship of Muslim workers and calling for identity verification of vendors, further exacerbated the situation. These actions allowed Hindutva organizations to capitalize on the situation, sparking wider unrest.
4. Targeting of Muslim Migrants: Muslims, particularly migrant workers, tailors, and street vendors, were especially vulnerable during the unrest. Many were forced to leave the state due to fear for their safety. The report highlights how Muslims, despite making up only 2.18% of the population in Himachal Pradesh, were disproportionately targeted, with right-wing groups using the pretext of illegal migration and other concerns to incite hatred.
5. Impact on Local Businesses and Society: The communal tensions significantly impacted local businesses, particularly those run by Muslims. Many shops were vandalized, and shop owners were pressured to leave. The report documents testimonies of Muslim traders who experienced threats and violence, with many deciding to leave Himachal Pradesh for their safety.
6. Law Enforcement’s Role: The report criticizes the Himachal Pradesh police for their ineffectiveness in controlling the violence. In several instances, law enforcement officers were accused of allowing mobs to vandalize Muslim-owned properties without intervention. In contrast, Muslims were disproportionately arrested and harassed under the pretext of law and order.
7. Hate Speech and Inflammatory Rallies: The report documents various instances of hate speech and inflammatory slogans being raised during rallies, including demands for the demolition of mosques and the expulsion of Muslims. These rallies were often organized by local Hindutva groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other affiliates of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
8. Government Response: Despite the growing violence, the report notes that the Himachal Pradesh government, led by the Congress party, failed to take decisive action. Although an all-party meeting was held to address the tensions, it resulted in little concrete action, with communal tensions continuing to rise across the state.

Key Locations of Conflict:

1. Shimla & Sanjauli: The report highlights the initial conflict in Sanjauli, which centered on the mosque and the broader Muslim community. Following a fight between Muslim and Hindu men in the nearby area of Malyana, rumors were spread that Muslim men had taken refuge in the mosque, leading to the mosque becoming the focal point of protests. The report documents the violent protests that ensued, which involved clashes between protesters and police.
2. Mandi: Protests also erupted in Mandi over allegations of illegal construction at the Jail Road mosque. Despite assurances from the Waqf Board that the mosque’s construction was legal, Hindu groups continued to protest, demanding the mosque’s demolition. The report documents several protests that turned violent, with police using water cannons to control the crowds.
3. Solan: In Solan, the Vyapar Mandal (traders association) organized protests, marking Muslim-owned shops with red crosses. Many shops were vandalized, and Muslims were pressured to leave. The report includes testimonies from shop owners who were targeted during the protests.
4. Kullu: The Jama Masjid in Kullu’s Akhara Bazar became a flashpoint for protests. Hindu groups alleged that the mosque had illegally constructed additional floors, despite the fact that the mosque had existed for over 150 years. The report documents how the situation escalated, with Hindu protesters clashing with police.
5. Palampur: Hindutva groups in Palampur organized protests demanding the demolition of a mosque, with several Muslim-owned shops being vandalized during the unrest. The report highlights how Muslims in the area were forced to flee due to fear of further violence.

Testimonies of Victims:

The report includes numerous testimonies from Muslim traders, laborers, and residents of Himachal Pradesh who were targeted during the violence. Many expressed fear for their safety and the safety of their families, with several deciding to leave the state altogether. The testimonies provide a humanizing perspective on the impact of the communal violence on the Muslim community.

Recommendations:

The report concludes with several recommendations for addressing the communal tensions in Himachal Pradesh. These include:

Strengthening law and order to prevent the spread of communal violence.

Holding political leaders accountable for inflammatory statements.

Encouraging dialogue between Hindu and Muslim communities to promote peace and understanding.

Implementing government policies to protect the rights and safety of Muslims, particularly migrant workers.

Monitoring social media for inflammatory content and taking swift legal action against those who incite violence.

In summary, the report paints a grim picture of the state of communal tensions in Himachal Pradesh, with Muslims, particularly migrant workers, being the primary targets of hate speech and violence. The failure of the government to take decisive action has allowed the situation to spiral out of control, leading to widespread fear and displacement within the Muslim community. The report calls for urgent measures to address the situation and restore peace in the region.