In the tranquil town of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 26-year-old tailor Farhan Khan recalls the chilling events of September 17, when an anti-Muslim rally disrupted the peace of his community. As he opened his shop that morning, he was confronted by two men in saffron attire who recorded their interaction on a mobile phone. They aggressively questioned why he was open for business, and soon a larger group joined, escalating the confrontation.
“They dragged me through the crowd, demanding I help identify more Muslim-owned shops in the area,” Farhan recounted. “I pointed out five or six shops and urged them to close.”
This incident occurred amid rising tensions in Himachal Pradesh following demands from far-right Hindu groups for the demolition of a mosque in Shimla. What started as a localized issue rapidly expanded into a broader anti-Muslim campaign, including economic boycotts against the community. A conflict in Sanjauli over wage payments had initially sparked these tensions, escalating to a confrontation outside the local mosque on September 10, where Hindu activists claimed it was an illegal structure.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a key player in the protests, is part of a larger network of right-wing Hindu organizations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which aims to transform India into a Hindu state. This campaign has led to unprecedented religious hostility in Himachal Pradesh, where Muslims make up only 2% of the population.
Following the protests, Hindu groups have made demands that include the removal of all so-called illegal mosques and migrant workers. In a misguided attempt to ease tensions, the mosque committee agreed to seal parts of the building, but the unrest only continued to spread.
As anti-Muslim sentiments gained momentum, many Muslims felt compelled to leave the state. Farhan Khan, who recently relocated to Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, shared, “I valued my life more than my livelihood.” He described his fear, recalling how he locked himself indoors for two days, installing multiple locks for safety before leaving.
In a troubling response to the rising tensions, the local government recently mandated that restaurants and food vendors display their employees' names. Critics argue this measure is intended to help customers avoid food prepared or served by Muslims, raising concerns over discrimination and safety.
The atmosphere has become increasingly hostile, with reports of pamphlets circulated among vendors instructing them to label themselves as "Sanatani" or Hindu sellers. Many fear for their safety, and reports indicate a significant number of Muslim migrants have fled Himachal Pradesh.
Hamza, a painter from West Bengal who has worked in Shimla for 15 years, expressed his despair at the current climate of discrimination. He lamented the difficulties in securing work, stating, “I feel like I will also have to leave Himachal soon. They are not offering us work.”
Community leaders are concerned about the growing divide and the potential for escalating violence. Former deputy mayor of Shimla, Tikender Panwar, described these actions as a systematic attempt to undermine the local government and disrupt communal harmony.
As tensions mount and the anti-Muslim campaign continues, many in the Muslim community fear for their safety and the future of their livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh. The sentiment of loss and fear looms over individuals like Mehfooz Malik, a long-time resident who has prayed at the Sanjauli mosque for decades. “I don’t think I belong here anymore,” he admitted.
While local leaders insist on maintaining the constitution and protecting religious freedom, the plight of the Muslim community in Himachal Pradesh raises serious questions about safety, equality, and communal harmony in an increasingly polarized environment.
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