Religious profiling: Hindutva group targets Muslim-owned businesses in Uttarakhand
Dehradun: Fresh reports of religious profiling have emerged from BJP-ruled Uttarakhand state after members of a Hindutva group identified Muslim-owned businesses and questioned shopkeepers about their religious identity.
According to Kashmir Media Service, members of the Hindutva group reportedly entered the Hindu pilgrimage town of Rishikesh this week, approached shopkeepers one by one and asked their names. Traders identified as Muslims were directed to follow a set of instructions regarding the operation of their businesses or face unspecified consequences.
Videos circulating on social media show members of the group confronting traders and checking whether they were complying with the directives.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the intimidation of religious minorities. Lawyers and civil rights activists questioned under what legal authority private individuals could inspect businesses, ascertain the religious identity of owners and issue directions affecting their livelihoods.
The episode comes amid growing concerns over the activities of self-styled Hindu vigilante groups in several Indian states. Such groups have frequently been accused of stopping vehicles, inspecting businesses, questioning citizens about their religion and targeting members of minority communities.
The videos sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many users calling for official intervention. They said targeting businesses on the basis of the owner’s religion violates constitutional guarantees of equality and the right to conduct lawful business without intimidation. Many also warned that the increasing influence of self-styled vigilante groups reflects a dangerous trend of mob rule that undermines the rule of law and public confidence in state institutions.
