In Uttarakhand, a mob of Hindu extremists targeted two Muslim households in the heart of Vikasnagar last Saturday night. The attack has sparked concerns over the lack of government action against such extremism, leading to an atmosphere of fear among the Muslim community.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, chanting slogans invoking religious fervor, openly challenged law enforcement officers in the presence of media representatives.
The mob reportedly issued threats against the Muslims and even made references to leaving the state. This incident further fuels the fear that the morale of the extremists remains high due to perceived government inaction.
The primary victim of the attack, Ezra Zaidi, shared her harrowing experience with BBC News. She recounted how her father and siblings were not at home when the mob assembled outside their residence. At that time, she was inside the house with her mother, sister-in-law, and her six-month-old baby. The atmosphere turned tense as the mob chanted slogans and issued ominous threats, with some members shouting “Jai Shri Ram” and demanding they come outside.
Disturbingly, reports indicate that the mob also targeted the livelihoods of Muslims in the area by vandalizing fruit and vegetable carts belonging to them, which were parked along the roadside in Vikasnagar.
Local law enforcement authorities have taken notice of the incident and have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 11 individuals for their involvement in blocking the highway, pelting stones, and vandalizing the homes of the two Muslim families. Additionally, a case has been lodged against around 40 to 50 unidentified individuals in connection with the attack.
