KARGIL: Muslims in the Buddhist dominated Ladakh region have flagged an SoS and sought government intervention to end ‘social boycott’ being reportedly enforced on the Muslim community. Demanding an end to the social boycott, which is being sponsored against them by the majority Buddhist community in mountainous Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Muslims in the region on Tuesday alleged that they are being ruled by hooligans.
The Muslims of Padam in Zanskar said over phone that the tensions have been brewing since last September when some Buddhist families converted to Islam. “We appeal government that they should ask the majority community why we are being punished. What is our fault?
The Padam area of Zanskar has witnessed communal clashes since August 2012 when four low-caste Buddhist families comprising 22 members converted to Islam. Though we told them to reconsider decision of embracing Islam and sent them back but they came again and then accepted Islam, said some Muslim residents from Padam.
In September 2012 they finally professed Islam and became Muslims, Muhammad Shafi Wani, a teacher, said adding that the conversion angered majority community and clashes between the two groups ensued in which dozens including a senior officer were injured.
The Muslim minority alleges harassment at the hands of Buddhists. Ever since the episode of conversion, our lives have become hell. They (four families) became Muslims at their own. We didnt force them and they are happy as Muslims, Shafi said.
The latest spate of attacks against Minority started on May 9 when some people were attacked by a Buddhist mob. They were washing clothes on river and a mob led by Lamas attacked them, another local said over phone. Amanullah, 25, from Ufty village where seven Muslim households live, was injured and he was airlifted to Leh for treatment.
Muslims have urged the government that it should take steps to end the ‘social boycott’ that the Buddhists have enforced on Muslims.
Muhammad Shafi further said, “We have been barred from catching fish from the river or wash clothes there. When sometimes our children go to wash clothes on the river, they are harassed by the goons. The Muslim have alleged that the government was deliberately ignoring their plight.
He alleged that even policemen are afraid of taking action against hooligans led by Lamas. The Armed Police saved us from further attacks but the life has become difficult for us and the government will have to move beyond deployments, he said.
Few Buddhist families live with Muslims and if we wish we could attack them easily like we are being attacked, but we are not hooligans and dont preach violence, he added.
The Deputy Commissioner of Kargil, Sadiq Shiekh said that minority community is not facing any social boycott from majority community. No such thing has been brought into my notice so far. There was some clash but the things are okay now as both the communities have compromised, he said.
He also dismissed the allegations leveled by minority community that they are insecure in the area. We have beefed up the security in the area. There is adequate number of police personnel deployed to thwart any violence, Sheikh added.
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