Hindutva reign of terror in IIOJK: Armed VHP goons attack Muslim-owned businesses in Doda
Srinagar: In yet another disturbing incident in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a group of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists, some reportedly armed, have intensified their campaign of terror against the Muslim community in Doda district.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in one such incident, which unfolded during the night of August 13-14, a group of Hindutva men led by Anirudh Bhau, descended upon Nehru Chowk in Doda, as reported by The Wire. Bhau, armed with a sword, and his associates, carrying iron rods and canes, broke into a local shop, accusing the owner of storing cow meat. The group filmed the incident, further heightening the intimidation.
As per The Wire, Anirudh Bhau, identified as the VHP district president for Doda, is seen in several images on social media with prominent BJP and RSS figures, including IIOJK BJP chief Ravinder Raina, ex-MLA Shakti Singh Parihar, and former Deputy Commissioner of Doda, Vishesh Paul Mahajan. These associations have fueled suspicions of official support for his actions.
The Hindutva terror did not end there. According to a police complaint filed by Barkat Ali, a local resident, Bhau and his gang continued their reign of fear. On August 15, Bhau forcibly entered a bakery on Bharat Road in Doda, threatening the Muslim owner with death if he did not shut down his business permanently. Witnesses identified Bhau’s vehicle, which prominently displayed a VHP flag.
Hassan Babur Nehru, a local activist from Doda, condemned these incidents, stating, “People are being harassed unnecessarily by these goons, who seem to be enjoying official patronage. Has the government given him [Bhau] the mandate to search the houses of Muslims? He is carrying a US-made pistol for which a license is issued by the home ministry. Who has given him the permission?”
The incidents have sparked outrage among the Muslim community in Doda, who believe that the police are complicit in shielding the perpetrators. A video circulating on social media captures the frustration of local residents confronting the police, demanding justice and accountability for Bhau’s actions. The video shows the men expressing their frustration at the police’s inaction.
The Wire also reported on an undated video showing Bhau threatening barbecue vendors in Doda, ordering them to shut their businesses under the pretext that it offends Hindu sentiments. “Otherwise our organisation is very big and we know how to deal with it. We will not allow this business to be carried out in Doda,” Bhau is heard warning in a TV interview.
This latest episode is not an isolated case. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of Hindu right-wing activists, including members of the Bajrang Dal and VHP, terrorizing the Muslim population in various districts of the Jammu region. These ongoing acts of intimidation have deepened tensions and heightened fears among the region’s Muslim community.
Despite multiple complaints of violence and intimidation by Hindutva extremists, the police in Doda have merely stated that they are investigating the matter and promised action against anyone found guilty. However, the local Muslim community remains skeptical, given the history of inaction in similar cases.
