The Assault on Kashmir’s Muslim Identity: Modi’s Hindutva Agenda

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has accused India’s current Hindutva government, led by Narendra Modi, of systematically attacking the Muslim identity of Jammu and Kashmir.

APHC spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas reported that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively working to diminish Muslim influence, erode their religious and cultural identity, and impose Hindutva ideology on the region.

He outlined various policies enacted by Modi’s administration aimed at erasing Kashmir’s Islamic heritage. These include promoting Hindutva through cultural initiatives, taking control of religious sites, and integrating Hindu symbols into daily life.

Minhas called on the international community to pressure the Indian government to halt its policies of cultural suppression and religious coercion in Kashmir. The BJP’s control over key religious sites, such as Eidgahs, mosques, and shrines, reflects a troubling strategy to undermine the region’s Muslim identity.

Additionally, the APHC criticized the BJP for compelling Muslim students to sing Hindu hymns, building Hindu temples, and embedding Hindu customs into Kashmir’s cultural fabric. These actions are seen as deliberate attempts to reshape the region’s demographic and cultural landscape.

The regime’s efforts to dismantle Kashmir’s cultural heritage are also evident in changes to educational content. This includes revisions to textbooks and attempts to alter the Kashmiri script to align with Hindu ideals.

To conclude, the APHC’s statements highlight a significant concern regarding the BJP’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir. The international community is urged to recognize and address the impact of these policies on the region’s Muslim identity and cultural heritage.