Rise of Communal Violence Against Muslims in India

In recent years, India has witnessed a disturbing rise in communal violence and targeted discrimination against Muslims, particularly since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power at the federal level in 2014. The United Nations Human Rights Council (OHCHR) has expressed serious concerns over these developments, issuing official communications to India regarding the growing climate of hate speech, incitement to violence, and systemic discrimination against the Muslim minority. The OHCHR’s reports highlight the alarming rise in hate crimes, the targeting of Muslim individuals and communities, and the failure of the Indian government to address these issues adequately. The situation has deteriorated to the point where even the electoral campaigns of the ruling party have become a platform for hate speech, further stoking the flames of communal tensions.

Since Narendra Modi’s government took office, the country has seen a dramatic increase in hate speech, often fueled by inflammatory rhetoric from political leaders. During election campaigns, this rhetoric has escalated, with politicians using derogatory terms and promoting divisive narratives against Muslims. For instance, Modi’s speeches have included references to “vote jihad,” accusing Muslims of forming a “jihadi vote bank,” and labeling Muslims as “infiltrators” or people with excessive children. Such language serves to dehumanize the Muslim community and create a hostile environment where hate and discrimination can thrive. The 2024 election campaign was no exception, with reports indicating that Modi delivered at least 61 speeches across the country that propagated these themes.

The BJP’s leadership, including senior figures like Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath, has also been vocal in their anti-Muslim sentiments. Shah, in particular, made statements suggesting that, if given another term, the government would “fix cow killers,” a euphemism for Muslims accused of slaughtering cows, which is considered a sacrilegious act by many Hindus. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, remarked that Muslims would be dealt with so harshly that their descendants would “remember” the punishment. Such statements not only incite violence but also create an atmosphere where anti-Muslim sentiments are legitimized by political leaders.

The rise in hate speech has been mirrored by a significant uptick in violence against Muslims, often carried out by vigilante groups that act with impunity. The UN has documented over 255 incidents of targeted violence against Muslims in 2023 alone. These attacks range from physical assaults and lynching to the destruction of properties. Vigilante groups, emboldened by the political climate and a lack of government accountability, have taken the law into their own hands, terrorizing Muslim communities without fear of reprisal. This situation is compounded by the government’s failure to take decisive action against these groups, further emboldening them.

In addition to physical violence, there has been a disturbing trend of targeted demolitions of Muslim homes, particularly in urban areas. For instance, in June 2024, the police in Madhya Pradesh demolished the homes of 11 Muslim families, claiming that they were storing beef, a highly contentious and politically charged accusation in India. Such demolitions are often carried out without due process and serve as a form of collective punishment, disproportionately affecting Muslims. These actions not only violate basic human rights but also send a message that Muslims are second-class citizens whose rights and dignity can be disregarded at will.

The human rights situation in India is further exacerbated by the government’s crackdown on activists and civil society organizations that speak out against communal violence. Over 100 human rights defenders have been arbitrarily detained in recent years, often under controversial laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These laws allow for prolonged detention without trial and have been used to silence critics of the government. Journalists, in particular, have faced harassment, arbitrary detention, and violence, particularly those reporting on issues related to communal violence and minority rights. The suppression of dissenting voices contributes to a climate of fear, preventing activists and civil society from effectively advocating for the protection of human rights.

The international community, particularly Muslim-majority countries, has a crucial role to play in addressing the rise of communal violence in India. Reports from the OHCHR have highlighted the inadequate response from the Indian government to these concerns, with only 18 out of 78 UN communications receiving any public reply. This lack of accountability raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and protecting its minority communities. As a result, Muslim nations must collectively raise these issues in international forums, urging the Indian government to honor its human rights obligations and ensure the safety and dignity of its Muslim population.

In addition, Muslim-majority countries should support Indian civil society organizations working to protect minority rights. Many of these organizations face significant challenges, including harassment, intimidation, and limited resources, as they strive to document human rights abuses and support the victims of communal violence. Providing financial and logistical support to these groups can help ensure they continue their vital work in a hostile environment.

The UN and other international human rights organizations should also establish independent monitoring mechanisms to assess the human rights situation in India. Such mechanisms could help document incidents of violence and discrimination, ensuring that they are addressed and investigated. Furthermore, the UN should pass resolutions condemning the rising violence and discrimination against minorities in India, calling for immediate and impartial investigations into reported abuses.

The rise of communal violence against Muslims in India is a grave human rights issue that demands urgent attention. The unchecked spread of hate speech, the rise of vigilante violence, and the suppression of civil society organizations are all signs of a deeply troubling trend in the country. As the international community, including Muslim-majority countries, speaks out against these abuses, it is crucial that the Indian government is held accountable for its failure to protect its minority populations. It is only through concerted international pressure, support for grassroots civil society efforts, and a genuine commitment to human rights that India can hope to reverse the current trajectory and safeguard the rights and dignity of its Muslim citizens.