A recent violent incident at Sambhal Mosque has highlighted the dangerous repercussions of India’s current political climate under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The episode reflects an alarming rise in anti-Muslim actions under the influence of Hindutva ideology, with Muslims facing increasing persecution, both directly and through institutionalized measures.
This incident, reminiscent of the Babri Masjid demolition dispute in 1992, sheds light on the historical pattern of violence against Muslims and their religious sites. The attempt to conduct a survey around Sambhal Mosque has raised significant concerns, with accusations that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using these actions to fuel communal tension and further divide Hindu and Muslim communities.
Opposition leaders and activists have strongly condemned the BJP government for its role in creating an environment where such violence can thrive. Uttar Pradesh’s former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav held the state government accountable for fostering this divisiveness, while the Congress Party called for a judicial investigation into the recent violence. Their statements underscore the belief that the BJP, under Modi’s leadership, aims to suppress Muslim voices and expand the reach of extremist Hindutva politics.
The Sambhal incident is a direct result of the BJP’s hate-driven politics, exacerbating religious conflicts and targeting Muslim communities. This violence highlights the party’s ongoing attempts to dominate religious spaces, further escalating tensions within Indian society.
The ongoing marginalization of Muslims in India, exemplified by the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees, while sidelining Muslim refugees, continues to stir resentment. The abrogation of Article 370 has deepened separatist sentiments in Muslim-majority regions like Jammu and Kashmir, leading to increased military action and human rights violations. The growing use of inflammatory rhetoric by BJP leaders and extremist groups presents Muslims as enemies of the nation, further driving social division. Violence against Muslims, particularly incidents related to cow slaughter and beef consumption, has intensified under Modi’s rule, with tacit support from the government.
The BJP’s reliance on communal division to consolidate Hindu votes has only heightened societal tensions, while educational and cultural narratives are being altered to downplay Muslim contributions to India’s history and elevate a Hindu-centric view of the past.
The increasing number of attacks against Muslims and their places of worship, as well as the ongoing demonization of the community, paints a troubling picture of India’s political and social landscape. It’s crucial that international human rights organizations take note of the state’s complicity in these abuses, particularly during Modi’s regime.
