A Muslim man’s shop in Nahan town, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh, was attacked, looted, and vandalized by a group on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the presence of police officers.
After the attack, members of the Hindu community gathered outside the Nahan Deputy Commissioner’s office, chanting slogans.
#Nahan: Readymade garments shop of a muslim man Javeed was ransacked in the presence of Police in #HimachalPradesh's Nahan city, because he shared pics of animal sacrifice on the occasion of #Bakrid on his WhatsApp status.
Javed is a resident of Saharanpur and was running his… pic.twitter.com/HGWxxomiby
— Saba Khan (@ItsKhan_Saba) June 19, 2024
The incident was reportedly triggered by a WhatsApp status shared by the shop owner, Mohammad Rafiq, depicting an animal sacrifice. Local groups considered the post offensive.
Eyewitnesses stated that a large group, carrying flags and chanting slogans, assembled outside Rafiq’s shop in Mandi. Despite the presence of police, the mob broke into the shop, ransacked it, and destroyed its contents. Shelves were overturned, and goods were damaged.
Local residents expressed concern about the incident, criticizing the authorities for their response. Community leader Saba Begum mentioned a sense of insecurity among Muslims.
The attack received widespread condemnation, with human rights organizations and political leaders calling it a communal act. Amina Khan, a spokesperson for the All India Progressive Women’s Association, criticized the police’s inaction.
Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister issued a statement condemning the violence and promising an investigation to bring those responsible to justice.