Shimla: Even as the controversy surrounding Shimla’s Sanjauli mosque refuses to die down, a local right-wing group is encouraging an economic boycott of “outsiders” and distributing signs labelled “Sanatan subzi wala” to Hindu street vendors in Sanjauli. These signs aim to persuade people to purchase vegetables and other goods from Hindu-owned local shops and discourage them from buying from migrant Muslim vendors.
Devbhoomi Sangarsh Samiti—a local right-wing outfit floated last month—distributed such signs in Sanjauli sub-town Wednesday. Speaking to ThePrint, the samiti’s co-convenor Vijay Sharma said, “We are encouraging people to buy vegetables and fruits from locals. It is a kind of awareness drive.”
“People not only in Shimla but from other towns across the Himachal have been complaining about the demographic changes. You have seen how a five-storeyed mosque was constructed in Sanjauli. So, we are focusing on encouraging locals only,” Sharma added.
Satish Kumar, a vegetable seller in Sanjauli, told ThePrint that he agreed with Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s order to display names and identity of street vendors, “especially those who sell food, fruit and vegetables”.
Singh had initially instructed the urban development department to enforce this requirement, but following opposition from within the party, the Congress government had later clarified that no such decision had been taken.
“The government buckled under political pressure. However, no one can stop us from displaying the board of ‘Sanatan subzi wala’ (Sanatani vegetable seller),” said Kumar.
Speaking to ThePrint on condition of anonymity, a district administration official said that everyone has the right to run their own business how they like provided they have obtained the necessary permissions. “We have not received any complaints related to forced economic boycotts so far. Displaying such a board is not an offence,” he added.
However, Muslim vendors interviewed by ThePrint expressed their distress over the campaign.
One street vendor, Altaf, said, “Displaying a name plate was a much better idea. But with these signs saying ‘Sanatan subzi wala’, people can discriminate against us based on religion. We are not Sanatani, we’re Muslims. But is that a crime?”
Also read: Row over ‘illegal mosque’ has shattered Shimla’s peace & brought BJP, Congress leaders on same side
Sanjauli Mosque controversy far from over
On October 5, a court in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, ordered the demolition of the three ‘illegally built’ floors of the disputed Sanjauli mosque. This matter, which has been sub judice for the past 14 years, intensified last month when a dispute between two businessmen from different religious communities escalated into communal tensions.
The Shimla Municipal Corporation court also acknowledged a representation made by a Muslim welfare committee on 12 September, requesting permission to seal the unauthorised portion of the mosque and demolish the floors on their own, in compliance with a court order.
However, following the demolition order, the All-Himachal Muslims’ Organisation (AHMO) contested the representation made by the Muslim welfare committee, claiming that the committee does not have the authority to make such requests. They argued that the municipal court’s decision overlooked the facts and merits of the case.
AHMO spokesman Nazakat Ali Hashmi told ThePrint, “We will fight the legal battle even in the Supreme Court. This decision is far from facts. The local Committee was not entitled to make any representation to the municipal corporation.”
Meanwhile, Muhammad Latif, president, Sanjauli Mosque Committee (which is part of the Muslim welfare committee that made the representation), said the court has given this order on their submission. “We will respect the court’s order. Neither the Waqf Board nor the local committee will challenge this order,” he said.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania has, meanwhile, constituted a panel of legislators from Congress and BJP to finalise street vending policy for the state.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)
Also read: Cops use force as protest over Shimla mosque turns violent, minister backs ‘demolition if illegal’
In Islam Halal laws dictate that Muslims cannot consume meat from non Muslim butchers. When given an opportunity this is extended to other items too. Only when no alternatives are avaialble that Muslims purchase from others. However they are special and others emulating this behavior will be termed fascist casteist etc. Through Zizya and an economic threat incentive network destroying other cultures is permitted. Muslims are allowed violence in the name of emotional triggering if such behavior is questioned. If anyone else especially Hindus act in any fashion conducive to their cultural identity that should be immefiately suppressed.
Perfect!
Let’s replicate this across the country.
Hello There!
Yes, you chaps of The Print, your prejudices are on public display. Let us know if you run out of Burnol.