Viral videos reveal widespread calls from political and religious figures for the economic exclusion of Muslims
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The alarming trend of economic boycotts targeting the country’s Muslims has intensified, with incidents reported across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Recent viral videos on social media highlight a disturbing pattern where not just political and religious figures but also ordinary citizens are taking oaths to boycott Muslims economically.
A video from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, surfaced on social media on January 6, showing a public gathering where members of Hindu organisations made inflammatory statements against Muslims. The footage captured a Hindutva party leader administering an oath to the attendees, pledging to ‘liberate’ mosques in Kashi and Mathura. Also, derogatory language was used against Muslims, with a direct call for their economic boycott.
This incident has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups who view such acts as an attempt to deepen communal divisions and marginalise Muslims economically.
The upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has also been tainted with similar calls for Muslim exclusion. Reports indicate that some groups of saints and Hindu organisations have begun checking Aadhaar cards of shopkeepers for their religious identities. Witnesses claim that Muslims identified during these checks have been told to vacate the area and stop their businesses.
Alarming statements were made by certain saints, questioning the presence of Muslims at the Maha Kumbh, citing the exclusivity of Hindu spaces, and even offering rewards for revealing the identities of Muslim shopkeepers.
Similar patterns of economic exclusion have emerged in Himachal Pradesh. Recently, Kashmiri traders in a village were assaulted and warned against selling their goods in the area. Videos of the incident circulated widely showing the traders being forced to shut their businesses amid a hostile environment.
Hindu organisations in the region have reportedly formed groups to discourage locals from buying goods from Muslims, further amplifying communal tensions.
Following the communal violence in Nuh, Haryana, a Mahapanchayat organised by Hindu groups called for a complete economic and social boycott of Muslims. Despite a curfew being imposed, the gathering went ahead, urging the local population to:
• Stop renting homes to Muslims
• Avoid hiring Muslims for jobs or business purposes
• Remove mosques from Hindu-majority areas
Such statements have heightened fears of ghettoisation and deepened social divides in the region.
The call for economic exclusion has not been limited to fringe elements. Prominent political figures have also echoed such sentiments. Former BJP MP and Delhi Assembly election candidate, Pravesh Verma, publicly called for an economic boycott of Muslims during a speech.
Verma stated, “If the mind and health of a particular community are to be improved, then boycott them completely. Do not buy goods from them. When they stop getting money, they will fall in line.”
Such statements, critics argue, embolden communal elements and violate constitutional values of equality and secularism.
Hindutva leader Yati Narasimhanand Saraswati has repeatedly made inflammatory remarks against Muslims. Known for his controversial speeches, he has called for both genocide and economic boycotts targeting the Muslim community.
On multiple occasions, Narasimhanand has publicly made derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) while calling for the economic exclusion of Muslims, further inflaming religious tensions.
The increasing frequency of such hate campaigns has drawn widespread criticism from human rights organisations and secular activists. They argue that such calls for economic boycotts violate fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, including the right to equality and freedom of profession.
Civil rights organisations have urged the government to take immediate legal action against those promoting hate speech and economic exclusion under existing laws such as:
• Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for promoting enmity between groups
• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for attempting to disturb public harmony
However, law enforcement agencies’ responses have been inconsistent, with critics pointing out delayed or inadequate action in several cases.
Prominent civil rights activists have expressed concern over the normalisation of hate speech and economic exclusion in public discourse. Noted activist Harsh Mander stated, “This rising trend of targeting an entire community economically and socially poses a grave threat to the fabric of our democracy. The authorities must take swift and impartial action.”
Despite public outcry, instances of hate speech continue to surface, raising questions about the effectiveness of current legal frameworks in curbing communal discord.
The disturbing trend of economic boycotts and hate speech targeting Muslims across various states requires urgent attention. The increasing involvement of both political figures and common citizens in such campaigns threatens to undermine the principles of secularism and unity enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Legal experts and human rights groups continue to demand stricter enforcement of anti-hate speech laws and proactive measures to prevent further communal disharmony. The need for immediate state intervention and awareness campaigns promoting communal harmony has never been more pressing.
