Posters in some towns in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district are far from being mischievous, but rather smack of sinister intent. Early this week security had to be beefed up with communal tension refusing to ebb in Purola, Barkot, and Chinyalisaur after posters came up in Hindi: “Love-jihadis are informed they should vacate their shops before the mahapanchayat to be held on June 15.

If you don’t do it, then anjaam (the consequences) will depend on time.” Plus, some houses belonging to Muslims are reported to have been marked with a black cross. This after VHP and Hindu Jagriti Manch members held protests in Barkot, urging people to unite against ‘love jihad’ and ‘outsiders’.

Some shops and houses belonging to the minority communities were also attacked following the arrest of two persons, one Muslim, under POCSO for trying to abduct a minor girl from the majority community end-May. Over 40 shops have since remained shut.

The Uttarkashi SP told the media the posters have been removed; they are trying to identify the anti-social elements and he’s not aware of any mahapanchayat proposed in Purola. Not enough. Confidence building measures are the need of the hour…