The economic and social boycott of Muslim families in Ghoti village of Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district has been officially resolved after intervention by the police and district administration, but serious questions remain over accountability and justice.
The boycott began after a Hindu conference held in the village on January 27, where speakers allegedly made inflammatory and derogatory remarks against Islam and Muslims. When members of the local Muslim community objected to the speeches, a village meeting was reportedly held in which calls were made to socially and economically boycott ten Muslim families living in Ghoti.
According to residents, it was announced that no Hindu family should maintain any contact with Muslims. Villagers were warned that anyone who spoke to Muslims, gave them work, bought goods from their shops, or attended their social events would be fined ₹5,000 and face social exclusion. For nearly a week, Muslim families were denied work, trade, and basic social interaction.
After reports of the boycott surfaced outside the village, the administration stepped in. Initially, officials denied knowledge of the incident, but growing public criticism forced them to act. A meeting was then called to bring both communities together.
Lanji SDOP Omprakash said a peace committee meeting was organised considering the sensitivity of the situation. “The meeting was held under the guidance of SDM Lanji Kamal Singh Sinsar, Tehsildar Sanjay Bhaskar and senior police officers. People from both communities, public representatives and social workers attended. Everyone agreed to maintain harmony, brotherhood and peace in the village,” he said.
Police officials stated that the issue was resolved peacefully and appealed to villagers to avoid rumours and tension in the future.
However, Muslim residents say the compromise has brought relief but not justice. They questioned why no action was taken against those who allegedly delivered hate speeches and enforced the boycott.
Khairunisha, a Muslim woman from the village, said the situation changed the moment they objected to the speeches. “People from outside said very bad things about Muslims and our religion during the conference. We went to complain peacefully, even to the sarpanch. After that, our lives became difficult,” she told reporters.
She added that the village atmosphere turned cold and hostile. “No one gave us work. No one bought anything from our shops. People who lived with us for generations started avoiding us. Our men sat at home without work. We were punished just for speaking up,” Khairunisha said.
Muslim families in the village largely depend on daily wage labour, small shops, driving and farm work for survival. The boycott directly affected their livelihoods and dignity.
On the other hand, some villagers denied that any boycott took place. Netram Tidke, a resident, claimed the allegations were rumours. “No one boycotted Muslims. They should also admit their mistake,” he said. Another villager, Tularam, said the issue would be settled through talks.
Former MLA Kishore Samrite criticised the administration and demanded a deeper probe. “Social and economic boycott of Muslim families is completely wrong. The Union Home Ministry should investigate this. The village atmosphere has been damaged and police should have acted firmly,” he said, alleging attempts to suppress the matter.
Local journalist Ashish Shriwas said the region has seen increased activity by Hindu organisations in recent years. “This is a sensitive area with Adivasi populations and a history of tension. Despite the seriousness of the incident, the administration remained quiet for days, possibly under pressure,” he said.
While the administration has declared the boycott resolved, Muslim families in Ghoti say the fear and mistrust remain. “Ending the boycott does not erase what we went through,” a resident said. “Without action against those who spread hate, how can we be sure this will not happen again?”
