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11 Sep, 2014

Threats force closure of Muslim-owned hotel in Gujarat – Countercurrents.org

Hotelier Mustafa Patel from Gujarat- owner of Jyoti Hotel – is a very sad these days.

His famous hotel– which used to lie on Viramgam highway, merely ninety minute drive from Ahmedabad, is now closed. Anyone who has travelled on that road would vouch about its quality preparations, all the employees who worked with him are in search of another job. Undoubtedly, for Mr. Mustafa it was a very painful decision to close it, but there was no other option. It is being alleged that he was receiving threats from anti-social elements – many of whom had covert links with the ruling dispensation in the state- and despite court orders police refused to provide him protection. The only option for him was to get ready to face bullets or concede to their demand. He preferred the latter option, perhaps with a view that it will at least help save few innocent’s blood.His petition to the National Commission on Minorities makes it clear how the issue unfolded and how the police reacted to the developments.

Read the rest: What Gujarat Does Today …. Vibrant Gujarat – No Place For Muslims ? By Subhash Gatade.