A video depicting an enraged mob vandalising a clothing store in the presence of law enforcement officers has surfaced on various social media platforms. The footage allegedly captures an incident in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, where Hindu organisations targeted Javeds ready-made garments shop. In his accompanying post, Gupta mentioned, In Himachal Pradeshs Nahan, Hindu organisations attacked Javeds ready-made garments shop in the presence of police.According to Guptas post, the incident was triggered by photos of sacrificial activities posted on Javeds Whatsapp status, with allegations of cow slaughter. Javed, a resident of Saharanpur (UP) who operates a shop in Himachal Pradesh, reportedly faced backlash from local residents, who vowed to prevent his entry into the state. Amid these developments, law enforcement agencies are actively searching for Javed, while Hindu organisations have issued warnings to landlords renting shops to individuals from specific communities. The veracity of the video remains unverified at this time.हिमाचल प्रदेश के नाहन में पुलिस की मौजूदगी में हिंदू संगठनों का जावेद की रेडिमेड गारमेंट्स शॉप पर हमला। शॉप से सामान बाहर निकालकर फेंका।जावेद ने व्हाट्स एप स्टेट्स पर पर कुर्बानी के फोटो लगाए थे। आरोप है कि वो गोवंश काट रहा था।जावेद सहारनपुर (UP) का रहने वाला है, HP में दुकान… pic.twitter.com/u9dYM1G00O— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) June 19, 2024Context of Recent EventsThe circulation of this video coincides with a series of recent violent episodes in Himachal Pradesh, particularly following an altercation involving Kulwinder Kaur, a security officer who allegedly slapped newly-elected BJP Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport earlier in June.Just a few days prior to the garment shop incident, a Punjab-origin Non-Resident Indian (NRI) named Kawaljit Singh was reportedly assaulted by a group of individuals during a parking dispute while visiting Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. Singh claimed that he and his Spanish wife were targeted based on their Punjabi ethnicity. These incidents have sparked debates and discussions, with Bikram Singh Majithia, General Secretary of Shiromani Akali Dal, addressing the situation on social media platforms.Response and Calls for ActionExpressing strong condemnation, Majithia highlighted the assault on Kanwaljit Singh and his wife, emphasising the need for restraint in making statements that may fuel communal tensions. He also called upon Kangana Ranaut to refrain from making divisive remarks and urged the central government to take decisive measures against such incidents. These developments reflect the growing concerns over communal harmony and safety in Himachal Pradesh, prompting calls for responsible behaviour and swift action from authorities.
