Video shows abuse, threats, and attempts to block Friday prayers in Miyawala as officers stand nearby; Muslim residents speak of fear amid silence from authorities
NEW DELHI — Serious questions are being raised about the safety of Muslims in Uttarakhand after members of Hindu organisations openly stopped Friday prayers in Dehradun and issued threats, while police personnel watched silently.
The incident took place on December 12 in the Miyawala area of Dehradun. Videos that have spread widely on social media show members of Hindutva groups confronting Muslim residents who had gathered for Friday prayers. The footage shows shouting, abuse, and threats, with police officers standing close by.
Eyewitnesses said that the group objected to prayers at the site and warned Muslims not to offer namaz outside their homes. In one video, a man linked to a Hindu organisation is heard saying, “We will not allow namaz anywhere in Uttarakhand.”
Another voice in the video goes further, saying, “Now even to pray at home, you will need permission.” These words have caused fear and anger within the local Muslim community.
A resident who witnessed the incident said, ‘We were only praying peacefully. They abused us and threatened us, and the police just stood there. We felt helpless.’
The videos also show a police officer speaking sharply to an elderly Muslim man during the confrontation. Locals questioned why no action was taken to stop the threats.
A Muslim shopkeeper from the area said, “When people threaten us openly and the police remain silent, it sends a very dangerous message.”
Community members said such incidents are no longer rare in Uttarakhand. They allege that Hindu groups act openly and with confidence, believing that no action will be taken against them.
So far, the Dehradun police administration has not released any official statement on the incident. The lack of response has added to concerns about law and order and the protection of minority rights in the state.
Civil rights activists say stopping people from worship and issuing threats in public is a clear violation of the law. One activist said, “If prayers can be blocked today, other basic rights can be attacked tomorrow.”
For many Muslims in Dehradun, the incident has deepened fear about practising their faith freely. As one resident put it, “We are citizens of this country. We should not have to ask anyone for permission to pray.”
