At panchayat in Manesar, call goes out for ‘economic boycott’ of Muslim shopkeepers

More than 200 people, including members of Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), took part in the panchayat. Participants also included people from nearby villages of Manesar, Kasan, Dharuhera and Gurgaon.

The members submitted a memorandum, meant for the deputy commissioner, to a duty magistrate stating that “illegal immigrants” must be evicted. “There should be an immediate enquiry into this and those found staying illegally should be evicted. They are involved in religious conversion and strict action should be taken against them,” it read.

Several speakers at the panchayat called for an economic boycott of Muslim vendors alleging that many juice shops and salons run by Muslims in Manesar had names of Hindu deities as part of a conspiracy. (Express Photo)

Devender Singh, general secretary, VHP Manesar, said the panchayat was called on behalf of the “Hindu society” in the region to raise their voice against growing “religious fundamentalism” and “jihadist forces” that have taken root in the country.

He claimed: “Hindus are being killed… Many Rohingya, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are illegally staying in Gurgaon and Manesar by hiding their real identities. They have set up businesses in various sectors. We have given the administration a week’s time to probe this and identify those with illegal documents… How did they get their IDs made? Who is funding them? This is a threat to our safety. If there is no action, then Hindu society will take action. Another panchayat will be called at a larger scale and the future course of action will be decided.”

He further claimed: “Economic boycott is the only solution. Their shops are not for business or employment… this is part of jihad. Committees need to be formed in villages that can discuss and take action. We have already started this from Manesar.”

Several speakers endorsed the boycott. “We need to pledge to not avail their services or purchase products from Muslim shopkeepers. There has to be a complete boycott. Boycott halal certified products. Do not get a haircut in their salons, do not rent them your houses, do not buy fruits from their shops,” said Manish Sharma, a resident of Manesar.

Referring to the recent murders of a tailor in Udaipur and a chemist in Amravati, several speakers spoke about “retaliating in the same manner” in the future if such events are repeated, and to take up arms.

On whether the organisers had sought permission, SHO Manesar police station, Vijay Kumar, said, “We had received information that the panchayat will be held. As a precautionary measure, personnel from the

police station were deputed. Proceedings remained peaceful.”

On Friday, Gurgaon Police had booked the organisers of a protest, held by members of Bajrang Dal and VHP to demand stringent punishment for the Udaipur murder accused, for allegedly raising abusive slogans and promoting enmity between communities. The panchayat members demanded that the FIR be cancelled and a clean chit given to the organisers.