India: Threatening posters were pasted on shops owned by Muslim businessmen in Purola town of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, asking them to vacate the premises immediately. The posters come days after two people, including a member of a minority community, attempted to abduct a minor girl from the area. The local people foiled the kidnapping attempt and later the accused were also arrested.
“Love jihadis are informed that they should vacate the shops ahead of the maha panchayat to be held on June 15. If you don’t, only time will tell what will happen.”
The Muslim traders expressed fear of opening their shops and claimed that some people have left the town. There are 650-700 shops in Purola’s main market, of which 30-40 are owned by Muslims.
Appeal to the police to maintain law and order
Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yadavanshi said the posters have been removed and the anti-social elements who put them up are being identified. The police also held a meeting with the local Vyapar Mandal and public representatives and appealed to them to maintain law and order.
Virendra Rana, leader of the right-wing Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), said the posters were put up by locals. “The posters were put up by locals who wanted people from a particular community to leave the city to maintain peace and social harmony.
