No Country for Muslims?

 

What happened?

In recent weeks, two incidents of communal violence and discrimination have taken place in different parts of India, raising concerns about the safety and security of the Muslim minority. In Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, hundreds of Muslim families have been facing threats and harassment from right-wing Hindu groups after two youths - one being Muslim - were caught allegedly abducting a Hindu girl. In some towns, such as Barkot and Purola, Muslim-owned shops have been marked with an 'X' sign and asked to vacate within a week. Many Muslims have fled their homes, fearing violence.

In Kolhapur, Maharashtra, protests erupted last week over a social media post that allegedly glorified Mughal emperor Aurangzeb on the coronation anniversary of Shivaji. The protests soon turned violent as mobs from pro-Hindutva outfits attacked Muslim homes and shops, pelted stones and set vehicles on fire. The police had to use force to disperse the crowd and suspend internet services in the city.

Why it matters?

These incidents are significant because they reveal a trend of communal intolerance in the Indian society. They directly violate the constitutional rights of the Muslim community, denying them the dignity, equality, and freedom they deserve. Moreover, they highlight the failure of state authorities to protect minorities from mob violence and hate crimes.

What are the arguments from both sides?

Side 1: There is no threat to Muslims

• Intrinsically secular: India is a secular and democratic country that guarantees equal rights and protection to all its citizens, regardless of religion. Since independence, the judiciary and civil society have upheld these values, and there is no reason things will change now.

• Sporadic incidents in a large country: The incidents of violence and discrimination are isolated and sporadic and do not represent the views or actions of most Hindus, who are tolerant and peaceful. In fact, in the Kolhapur incident, a Hindu man saved a Muslim family from a group of rampaging youths looking to assault Muslim households.

• Law enforcement taking action: In both the Uttarakhand and Maharashtra incidents, the local law enforcement has claimed that it won't tolerate discriminatory or violent activities targeted at a particular community. Both incidents had trigger points and are not a part of some grand right-wing conspiracy. There were allegations of a Hindu girl being abducted in Uttarakhand, and some minors posted glorified messages about Aurangzeb on social media in Maharashtra. So, the police took action, but there is no plan to hurt or evict Muslims.

Side 2: There is a threat to Muslims

• Rise in hate crimes: India is witnessing a rise in communalism and Hindutva ideology, which seeks to marginalize and oppress Muslims and other minorities. The ruling party BJP and its allies promote a Hindu nationalist agenda to diminish the diversity and pluralism of Indian society and culture. A report showed that there were 646 hate crimes against Muslims between 2014-2022, most of which occurred in BJP-ruled states.

• Tacit support for hate speech: The incidents of violence and discrimination are systematic and widespread and are fueled by hate speech, fake news and political patronage of extremist groups. The Muslims face frequent attacks on their lives, property, places of worship and businesses by mobs belonging to pro-Hindutva outfits. The violence in Uttarakhand flared up after a hate speech by Hindu religious leader Darshan Bharti, who called for Hindus to banish Muslims in their towns. The police have taken no action against Bharti.

• Law enforcement colludes: In both Maharashtra and Uttarakhand, there have been allegations that the police have colluded with the perpetrators. Darshan Bharti met with the Uttarakhand DGP shortly after making his hate speech. In Maharashtra, too, the police have detained all the Muslim boys but have not taken action against Hindu mobs. Moreover, even Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis derogatorily referred to Muslims as "Aurangzeb ki aulaadein (children)," fueling further tensions.

What next?

In Uttarkashi, Hindu groups have given an ultimatum to Muslim traders to leave the district before a "Maha panchayat" on June 15. Muslims have been threatened with violence if they fail to do so. The local law enforcement and administration must ensure the situation is controlled. In Maharashtra, the situation has returned to normalcy, but it remains fragile. The law must deal with the disgruntled elements.