Dharchula Vyapar Sangh orders Muslim traders to vacate shops

A case of 2 minor Hindu girls being abducted by Muslim youth in Dharchula, Uttarakhand

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) – Two minor girls studying in a school in Dharchula went missing on 1st February. Both were later found in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The Police arrested two Muslim youths living in Bareilly in this case. Following this, there has been an outrage in society against Muslims in Dharchula. An agitation has started against the Muslim traders due to this. Dharchula Vyapar Sangh (Trade Union) has expelled 91 member traders from the board and given a deadline to vacate their shops. 79 of these shops are owned by Muslims. The shops have since been closed, while one trader has shut down the business. Given the local situation, 50 Muslim scrap workers have fled from there. Interestingly, a few months ago Muslims were boycotted after a similar incident with regard to Hindu girls took place in Purola in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand Police said that some people tried to create an environment against a particular community by holding a march. They also tried to close their shops; however, the situation is normal now.

Mahesh Garbyal, general secretary of the trade union, said that we will not allow outside traders to stay here. At present there are 600 traders in the union out of which 400 are locals and 200 are outsiders. After identification, 175 traders were given time to provide proof of doing business before the year, 2000.

Editorial Perspective

The Police, Administration and Government are not taking any concrete action to protect Hindus and punish the religious fanatics. Therefore, such action is being taken after the outrage among Hindus.