Vendor’s Thrashing Highlights Rising Communal Violence in Modi’s India
June 11, 2024Muhammad Umar Qureshi, a Muslim street vendor from Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut, faced a brutal assault in Himachal Pradesh’s Bangana town. Allegedly, members of the Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were involved, forcing Qureshi to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram.’
Qureshi shared his harrowing experience in a viral video. He described how the mob beat him without provocation while he was selling clothes. Despite showing his Aadhaar card and permission letter, the violence continued.
The attackers, numbering between 10-15, took Qureshi to a closed shop where they continued to beat him and looted his money, clothes, and other items. The assault intensified once they realized he was a Muslim.
Qureshi’s attempt to seek justice was thwarted when the police refused to register his complaint. He recounted how the perpetrators boasted about their influence, claiming control over the police and state government.
The assault left Qureshi with a fractured hand and broken ribs. His ordeal highlights the severe physical and emotional trauma he endured. This case highlights the rising communal tensions and violence against minorities in certain parts of India.
Qureshi’s story has sparked outrage and calls for action against the growing impunity of such mobs. It highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities in India and ensure justice is served, irrespective of religious affiliations.
The international community and human rights organizations are urged to take note of these incidents and advocate for the safety and rights of minorities in India.
