LUCKNOW, India: On what should be a day of celebration for Minorities Rights Day in India, a disheartening incident unfolded in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Amidst an anti-encroachment campaign, a Kashmiri vendor fell victim to police aggression. Videos shared by Kashmir Media Service depict the disturbing scene of police mistreatment towards the vendor. One clip captured a police officer physically assaulting the young Kashmiri vendor as they attempted to force him into a police vehicle. The vendor reportedly faced charges under Section 151 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minorities in India, especially in regions like occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the observance of Minorities Rights Day on December 18 each year, many minorities live in a constant state of fear, enduring discrimination and feeling like second-class citizens. The situation is particularly dire for Muslims in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
*Kashmiri vendors allege abuse by authorities in Lucknow*
“We have been selling dry fruits here for the last 10 years. We travel 2,000 kilometers to earn a livelihood. We have children to feed, as we have no work there in Kashmir. We are here only for selling and not begging.” pic.twitter.com/q2RICDCl46
— شبیر علی (@Shabir_Ali_) December 18, 2023
The policies enforced by the current regime, led by Modi, have exacerbated the plight of Indian minorities. The implementation of RSS ideology has intensified, further marginalizing these communities. The rise of the Hindutva narrative within the so-called largest democracy in the world poses a grave concern.
Under Modi’s leadership, hate crimes against Muslims and other minorities have seen a disturbing escalation, painting a concerning picture of the current state of affairs in India.
