Locals and shopkeepers express outrage at discriminatory targeting of Muslims by citing religious sentiments and meat consumption
NEW DELHI – Members of Hindu organisations in Modinagar in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad District have forcibly removed Muslim-run food and devotional shops outside the Sikri Mata Temple. The action on Saturday, carried out without administrative intervention, has raised concerns of religious bias and social discrimination.
According to eyewitnesses, shops managed by members of the Muslim community, selling food and small religious items, were dismantled by activists from right-wing groups including Bajrang Dal.
One shopkeeper, requesting anonymity, said, “We had set up our stall with permission and were only selling sweets and drinks. There was nothing wrong with our business, yet it was destroyed.”
Hindu group activists justified their action, stating that Muslim shopkeepers consume meat and should not operate near the temple during Navratri, a period of fasting for devotees. “During Navratri, it is inappropriate for them to sell items here. Devotees come to pray, and these shops hurt their sentiments,” an activist said,
The controversy escalated further when activists accused shopkeepers of mislabelling items. “They wrote names similar to ours and offered ‘vrat juice’ to confuse devotees,” claimed a local volunteer from one of the Hindu organisations.
Muslim residents expressed shock at the incident, highlighting that the shops had been part of the local market for years. A community member said, “We have always respected religious boundaries and festivals. Yet, we are being targeted for our religious identity.”
Local authorities admitted that complaints had been received but denied taking immediate action. “The administration did not intervene in time. This is unfortunate, and it should have been handled legally rather than through vigilantism,” a temple official noted,
Activists warned of stricter measures if Muslim shops returned to the temple vicinity. “We have waited for three days for authorities to act. Since nothing was done, we took matters into our hands. Next time, action will be stronger,” stated one of the group members.
Residents condemned the use of religious festivals to justify discriminatory behaviour. A local shop owner commented, “Navratri is about devotion and respect. Targeting a community for selling permissible food and devotional items goes against the spirit of harmony.”
Legal experts point out that such actions may violate the laws of the country protecting freedom of occupation and religion. Advocate Sameer Qureshi said, “Forcibly removing shops based on religious identity is illegal. Communities cannot be singled out due to stereotypes or dietary habits.”
The incident has sparked outrage across the town, with Muslim community leaders demanding protection and fair treatment. “We call on the administration to ensure our rights are safeguarded. This is about justice, not religion,” stated a representative of the local Muslim welfare committee.
As tensions simmer, residents and observers urge dialogue between communities to prevent further escalation, stressing the importance of secular principles and equal treatment under the law.
