A wave of violence swept through Rajasthan’s Karauli where Muslims suffered immense financial losses. The violence was allegedly instigated by groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and RSS. The events unfolded under the guise of Nav Samvatsar, the Hindu New Year, when Hindutva activists reportedly marched through Muslim neighborhoods, broadcasting provocative slogans and playing objectionable songs. What followed was a premeditated wave of arson and retaliation, mirroring similar incidents across the country.
Wielding swords, Hindutva mobs reportedly marched into Muslim localities, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Topi wala bhi Jai Shri Ram bolega” (Those wearing skull caps will also chant Jai Shri Ram), according to eyewitness accounts.
Shakir Waheed Khan was among the plethora of people who incurred a massive loss. He lost the only source of livelihood, a shop that the family was running for the past 48 years.
“How will I work now? What will I earn, what will I eat?” Waheed said while sobbing in front of Miles2Smile.
Waheed Khan’s shop was ransacked and burnt allegedly by the Hindutva mob. The vandalism was so massive that the entire structure crumbled down and turned into a heap of debris.
“Everything of mine has been destroyed… what should I do now?” Waheed said with a heavy heart.
Miles2Smile promised him to rebuild his livelihood and bring his life back to normalcy. To fulfil the promise, Miles2Smile raised funds and appealed to the donors to contribute.
Within a time frame of a few days, the desired funds were achieved and Waheed Khan was assisted financially. The happiness on Waheed’s face warmed our hearts.”I don’t know how to thank you all, I can’t express how happy I am.” Waheed said.
To learn more about Miles2Smile’s work during karauli violence click: https://stories.miles2smile.org/category/karauli-2022/
