New Delhi: The chief of Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist group in Uttar Pradesh, has publicly called for a complete social and economic boycott of Muslims, escalating tensions in the region. This statement was made during a swearing-in ceremony for a group of supporters in the Puranpur area of Pelli Bhait district, where the leader, Vivek Mishra, was recorded urging his followers to avoid all interactions with Muslim community members.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Bajrang Dal’s President Vivek Mishra addressed his supporters at the event, instructing them to refrain from purchasing any goods from Muslim shopkeepers and to sever all friendships with Muslims. Mishra also encouraged the accusation of Muslim youth under the controversial allegation of “love jihad,” a term used by some Hindu groups to suggest that Muslim men are attempting to convert non-Muslim women to Islam through marriage.

The video of Mishra’s speech quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking a wave of condemnation from various groups and individuals who expressed deep concern over the rising hostility and divisive rhetoric. The backlash highlights a broader worry about the potential for increased communal tensions in the area.

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed a sentiment of worry to the media, emphasizing the importance of fostering peace and unity rather than division and hatred.

This incident marks another concerning development in the strained inter-community relations in Uttar Pradesh, a state already sensitive to religious and social conflicts.