Since the return of Modi’s government for a third term, India’s Muslim community has been increasingly targeted by discriminatory policies and violent acts, particularly by radical Hindu groups.
Daily harassment and intimidation have become the norm, further marginalizing the minority population.
A recent anti-Muslim policy introduced in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh under the guise of "health and safety regulations" now requires restaurants to publicly display the names of all their employees.
Originally initiated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this law has now spread to other states. Local activists claim it is a thinly veiled attack on Muslim workers, designed to subject them to bias and hate.
Muslim business owners fear this policy will lead to economic boycotts or targeted violence by hardline Hindu groups like Bajrang Dal. In fact, over the past five years, there has been a marked increase in incidents targeting Muslim-owned businesses across India.
A recent video circulating on social media featured a Bajrang Dal leader urging people to pledge not to buy from Muslim shops.
In response, some business owners in Uttar Pradesh have dismissed their Muslim staff out of fear of being attacked. A restaurant owner in Muzaffarnagar shared that he had to let go of his Muslim employees for their safety. "This is a dangerous plot to economically cripple Muslims," said Rafiq, a restaurant owner.
The situation continues to worsen, with Muslims across India increasingly losing their jobs due to these policies, further widening the societal divide and spreading fear.
