Open Threats Being Made to Eliminate Muslims in Modi’s India: State-Sponsored Violence and Institutionalizing Anti-Muslim Hate

Salient Features:

State-Sponsored Hate and Violence: The Modi government’s promotion of Hindutva has led to rising anti-Muslim threats and hate crimes with state backing.
Role of Hindu Extremists and Military: Hindu extremist leaders and the Indian military are openly promoting anti-Muslim hate and violence, further dividing the nation.
Discrimination and Oppression of Muslims: Muslims in India face systematic oppression under Modi’s policies, with increasing violence and marginalization.
The Erosion of Secularism: Modi’s Hindutva agenda aims to transform India into a Hindu-only state, undermining its secular foundation.

Introduction

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has increasingly become a state where Muslims face open threats, violence, and discrimination. The rise of Hindutva ideology, promoted by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has emboldened extremist leaders to openly threaten Muslims. The government’s failure to act against these threats has created a climate of fear, where hate crimes against Muslims are on the rise. This editorial examines the Modi government’s role in fostering a culture of religious intolerance and the systematic oppression of Muslims in India.

State-Sponsored Hate and Violence

The Modi government’s support for Hindutva ideology has led to increasing violence against Muslims, with extremist leaders making open calls for the elimination of Islam. These threats are not only ignored but also tacitly supported by the state, with Hindu extremist groups gaining more freedom to spread hate and incite violence. The Indian army, under Modi’s leadership, is also involved in promoting Hindutva ideology, contributing to the state-sponsored campaign against Muslims.
♦ Encouraging Religious Extremism:
Hindu extremist leaders, such as Yeti Narsinghanand, openly call for the elimination of Islam, while the Modi government does nothing to stop them, allowing their dangerous rhetoric to spread.
♦ Support from the Indian Army:
The Indian Army’s participation in Hindutva activities, such as the Army Chief’s visit to a Hindu ashram in uniform, indicates state approval of religious extremism.
♦ Failure to Act Against Hate Speech:
Despite the rising number of hate speeches and threats, the Modi government has failed to take action, effectively endorsing hate and violence against Muslims.

Role of Hindu Extremists and the Army

Hindu extremist leaders and the Indian military have become key players in spreading hate against Muslims in India. These groups, with the government’s tacit approval, are using their platforms to call for violence, further alienating the Muslim community and deepening religious divisions.
♦ Yeti Narsinghanand’s Provocative Statements:
Extremist leader Yeti Narsinghanand’s open call to eliminate Islam is a dangerous example of the state’s failure to prevent religious leaders from inciting violence against Muslims.
♦ Army’s Involvement in Hindutva Promotion:
The Indian Army’s active participation in Hindutva activities, like the Army Chief’s visit to a Hindu ashram, shows the deep connection between the military and the government’s religious extremism agenda.
♦ Political Endorsement of Hate:
Leaders like Yogi Adityanath, who promote the adoption of Hinduism as a solution for peace, reflect the government’s broader support for anti-Muslim sentiments.

Discrimination and Oppression of Muslims

Muslims in India are systematically discriminated against, with the Modi government supporting policies that exclude them from equal participation in society. From discriminatory laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to violent attacks on Muslims, the government has fostered an environment of fear and repression for the Muslim community.
♦ Discriminatory Laws and Policies:
The CAA, which offers citizenship to non-Muslim refugees while excluding Muslims, institutionalizes religious discrimination, making Muslims second-class citizens in India.
♦ Violence Against Muslims:
Muslims face regular violence, including mob attacks and communal riots, with little to no intervention from the government or law enforcement.
♦ Social Marginalization:
Muslims are being increasingly excluded from public life, facing restrictions on religious practices and greater societal prejudice.

The Erosion of Secularism in India

Under Modi, India’s secular identity is being replaced by a Hindu-only vision of the state. The government’s push for Hindutva seeks to make India a Hindu-majority state, systematically sidelining Muslims and other religious minorities. This move threatens to undo the country’s democratic values and religious freedoms.
♦ Shift Towards a Hindu Nationalist State:
The Modi government’s policies are dismantling India’s secular constitution, replacing it with a Hindu nationalist agenda that excludes Muslims from the national identity.
♦ Fascist Hindutva Agenda:
Modi’s promotion of Hindutva is a deliberate attempt to create a Hindu-only state, marginalizing religious minorities and undermining India’s pluralistic society.
♦ Undermining Religious Freedom:
The government’s support for anti-Muslim rhetoric and its efforts to impose Hindutva have led to the erosion of religious freedom, making it harder for non-Hindu communities to practice their faith freely.

International Response

Despite the growing religious intolerance and human rights violations in India, the international community has failed to take meaningful action. The Modi government continues its oppressive policies against Muslims with little global consequence, emboldened by international indifference.
♦ Global Silence on Human Rights Violations:
The international community’s failure to act has allowed the Modi government to continue its policies of discrimination and violence, further marginalizing Muslims.
♦ Lack of Global Accountability:
Despite numerous reports from human rights organizations, the international community has failed to impose sanctions or hold India accountable, allowing Modi to continue his oppressive agenda.
♦ Increased Diplomatic Isolation:
As India’s actions become more oppressive, the country risks growing diplomatic isolation, with increasing international criticism of its treatment of Muslims and religious minorities.

Conclusion

The rise of Hindutva under Modi’s leadership has created a dangerous environment in India, where Muslims are increasingly targeted by state-sponsored violence and hate speech. The failure of the Modi government to take action against Hindu extremists and its active promotion of anti-Muslim rhetoric have led to the erosion of India’s secular foundation. Muslims in India are being systematically oppressed, with little protection from the state. Until India is held accountable for its actions, religious intolerance will continue to grow, threatening India’s democratic values and the rights of its minority communities.