The event adds to a string of incidents where Muslims have faced social and economic exclusion in the region
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Muslim traders were evicted from a state-organised fair at the Tehsil Ground in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. The fair aimed at promoting local products and self-employment. Ironically, the posters of the ‘Swadeshi Mela’ highlighted ideals like equality, harmony, and national unity, emphasising living together without discrimination.
Muslim traders alleged that they were forced out due to religious discrimination, despite being lawful participants. The fair, which continues until November 24, has sparked wider debate over religious tolerance and economic inclusion in the state. The traders, according to media reports reaching here on Monday, alleged that they were told by the organisers that “Muslims are not allowed”. Even after Muslim traders booked stalls and paid participation fees, they were asked on Sunday to leave.
The fair, organised by Swadeshi Jagran Manch, began on October 14.
Many Muslim traders who had paid money and booked stalls in the fair, according to an NDTV report, showed their disappointment over the open discrimination even though fair posters highlighted ideals like equality, harmony, and national unity.
Mohammad Rashid, a businessman from Agra, claimed, “They asked my name and shut down my shop. We had 10 shops here. The organisers told us Muslims are not allowed entry. All our rent and travel expenses are wasted.”
Another shopkeeper, Shabbir from Lucknow said, “They refused to let us set up shops and told us to leave.” Vakil Ahmed, a trader from Bhadohi, said, “They are removing Muslims. Around 15-20 of us were told to close our shops,” the NDTV report said.
The situation reflects a broader pattern of marginalisation and economic boycotts targeting minorities in Madhya Pradesh and across the country. Activists have highlighted that calls for boycotts and exclusion of Muslim traders are increasingly linked to a rise in communal polarisation, often fuelled by local political leaders or organisations with majoritarian leanings.
The latest event adds to a string of incidents where Muslims have faced social and economic exclusion in the region.
Such cases have raised concerns over the protection of minority rights and the enforcement of constitutional guarantees of equality, with many calling for government intervention to prevent discrimination at public events.
However, Damoh Collector Sudhir Kochar has assured an inquiry into the matter. He also insisted that as the event organisers Swadeshi Jagran Manch “have the right to decide participation”.
