Muslim-Dominated Areas In Mumbai Observe Bandh Protesting Tripura Violence

Muslim-dominated areas in Mumbai observed a shutdown on the call of Raza Academy to protest against the “insulting” remarks made against Prophet Muhammad during a rally led by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), “desecration” of Holy Quran and attacks on mosques as well as properties belonging to Muslims in the recent anti-Muslim violence in Tripura.

Shops, offices and business establishments remained closed throughout the day on Friday in Muslim areas of Bhiwandi and Mumbra. 

According to TOI, several Muslim areas like Mohammed Ali Road, Nagpada, Mira Road and Mumbra observed a bandh. 

“We appealed to people to observe a bandh against the atrocities in hurtful slogans by VHP workers in Tripura. They did it voluntarily,” Raza Academy general secretary Saeed Noorie said.

Hindustan Times cited police saying the day passed off peacefully as markets kept their shutters down.

Similar reports were received from Aurangabad where the call for shutdown evoked an overwhelming response. According to LokMat Muslim representatives met the divisional commissioner and handed over their memorandum on the anti-Muslim violence in Tripura. 

The call was supported by Muslim groups including Jamat e Islami Hind, Maharashtra Muslim Awami Committee.

Tripura witnessed widespread violence in late October when VHP supporters attacked Muslims’ properties and mosques while police allegedly watched as mute spectators. 

Later, when civil society groups and Muslim leaders visited the state, the police responded by filing cases against them under the UAPA. Cases were filed against over 100 social media users and supreme court lawyers for making statements about the violence seeking accountability of police.