On Republic Day in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, patriotic songs played and the tricolour flew high. But peace broke near Jhanda Chowk, where men pressured a Muslim garment seller to remove 'Baba' from his shop's name. The shop named 'Baba School Dress and Matching Centre' had been there longer than the protestors were alive. Elderly trader Wakeel Ahmed was bullied but refused to change the name. Mohammad Deepak, a local gym owner, stepped in to support Ahmed. After adding "Mohammad" to his name to make a point, Deepak faced an FIR for intimidation and rioting. His family received threats, forcing him to limit his gym visitors despite police presence. The state government, led by BJP since 2017, has seen increasing communal violence and exclusion of Muslims, according to a 2026 APCR report. BJP leaders have linked this to cultural pride and actions against "land jihad" and "love jihad." Posters for a Virat Hindu Sammelan promote Hindu awakening. Deepak said, “My 5-year-old daughter has a high fever. My wife and mother cry heavily after hearing the life threats. We have suffered so much when I did nothing wrong.” The FIR was filed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad members. Soon after, a crowd shouted slogans outside his gym, threatening to teach him a lesson. Vijay Rawat, Deepak's co-accused, said his family supports his stand despite worries. Local shopkeeper Nandkishore called for peace, avoiding taking sides. BJP councillor Saurabh Nautiyal questioned why Muslims use Hindu names if they mean no harm. The controversy echoes a larger trend: in 2025, Uttarakhand renamed 18 places to remove Muslim names. Congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana blamed BJP’s fear tactics ahead of 2027 elections. Earlier, Shaila Negi of Nainital bravely faced a mob targeting Muslims after a crime by one individual. She faced threats for her stance. In Purola, lawyer Dharam Singh Negi resisted calls to evict Muslim tenants amid rising threats, showing quiet solidarity. Deepak’s and others’ stories reveal deep communal cracks in Uttarakhand’s social fabric, with growing fear and division shadowing the state's scenic hills.