Police authorities feign ignorance of the December 31 ultimatum; Owaisi sees a deliberate attempt to marginalise Muslims in the country
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, the administration has come under fire for its inaction as some Hindu groups issued an ultimatum to Muslim families to vacate the area by December 31 or face dire consequences. The open threat to Muslim families has been widely reported in the media, but the administration has yet to initiate any action against the perpetrators, leading to widespread criticism.
A report earlier published by a local newspaper raised concerns about the lack of response from law enforcement agencies. When contacted, Uttarakhand Police claimed they were unaware of the ultimatum. “It is alarming that the police remain ignorant even after the report was published in the media,” said a local resident who preferred to remain anonymous. The absence of any swift action has fuelled tensions, with many questioning the state’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony.
Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, strongly condemned the threats, calling it a deliberate attempt to marginalise Muslims in India. “This is part of a larger conspiracy to make Muslims untouchable in the country,” Owaisi remarked, adding that the silence of the authorities reflects the biased treatment of the community.
Owaisi also criticised the state government’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), framing it as a cover for discriminatory practices. “In the name of equality, the Uttarakhand government is pushing for UCC, but what about the rights of Muslims to live in peace and equality in Chamoli?” he questioned. The MP further challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “If he can embrace Arab sheikhs, why can’t he embrace the Muslims of Chamoli? Modi is the Prime Minister of India, not Saudi Arabia or Dubai.”
The ultimatum issued to Muslims in Chamoli mirrors similar anti-Muslim sentiments that have surfaced in other regions, including Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh. There is growing concern that this trend reflects an organised campaign to isolate Muslims in several parts of the country.
Critics argue that the failure to act in Chamoli raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the rule of law in the state. Despite repeated calls for intervention, the administration has yet to provide any assurances to the Muslim community, who now face growing uncertainty.
With the deadline looming, calls for justice and protection are intensifying, with many urging the government to address the issue before the situation escalates further. As Owaisi put it, “The government must act, or it will be complicit in allowing such hatred to spread unchecked.”