After 'eviction' threat, Purola shopkeepers get 'intimidation calls'

DEHRADUN: Days after "eviction notices" asking shopkeepers of the minority community to "leave or prepare for consequences" were found pasted on shops in Purola, Uttarkashi, some members of the community on Sunday claimed they are receiving "intimidation calls", asking them to immediately leave the town as they have been "identified and will be targeted".
Communal tension had been simmering in the district after two men, including one from the minority community, were arrested for allegedly abducting a minor Hindu girl on May 26.
Over 30 shops belonging to members of the minority community remained shut since the incident. Subsequently, at least 10 shopkeepers of the community, including a BJP functionary of the local minority cell who had been in the area for many years, left the town.
One of the few who stayed back told TOI on Sunday, "We are now concerned about our future. A 'mahapanchayat' has been called by different outfits on June 15, on the issue of 'love jihad'.
The shopkeeper added that some of the calls were made "directly by those associated with right-wing outfits while others were made via those who know us for a long time." Another shopkeeper pointed out, "In some of the calls, we were told that if any of us reopen our shop, it may get vandalised or set on fire. We don't know where to go if we are forced to leave the town... We have been staying here for decades."
In neighbouring Barkot, where shops of the minority community were recently marked with black crosses, tenants of around 10 shops were told to vacate their business establishments by landlords. Confirming the development, one of the locals, requesting anonymity, said on Sunday, "At least three shopkeepers have already left the town. Two others are also thinking of moving out soon." SP (Uttarkashi) Arpan Yaduvanshi said, "Police had deployed a PAC platoon to ensure law and order is maintained in Purola town."