DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES TRIGGER RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE IN INDIA

WebDesk August 8, 2023 2 minutes read

The Haryana violence that broke out on 31 July was apparently triggered after a member of a group affiliated with the ruling BJP, who is accused of murdering two Muslim men, issued a video encouraging people to join the parade. Muslims, believing that he was part of the gathering, targeted the procession. Hindu groups retaliated. In the violence that ensued, six people were killed, including two members of the security forces. Schools and colleges were closed in several areas, and the state authorities suspended mobile internet services in three districts until the 5^th of August. Incidents like this are obvious outcomes of the BJP government’s Hindu majoritarian politics, including the adoption of laws and policies that systematically discriminate against minorities and stigmatize critics of the government. The continued vilification of Muslims has resulted in an increase in hate crimes. “We hope and trust that the state authorities, including police agencies, will ensure there is no hate speech against any community, no damage is caused to any property, and wherever required adequate police or paramilitary forces will be deployed,” the Supreme Court said after hearing petitions over planned protests by BJP affiliated groups – Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal – in response to the violence in Haryana. Perceived bias has severely dented faith in the rule of law and is exacerbating an already fraught situation. Authorities are quick to punish Muslims who protest while absolving members of Hindu mobs that chant slogans and attack Muslims, their businesses, or places of worship. Bail for government supporters is rarely opposed, but government critics are viewed as a threat and remain incarcerated. Evidence in the trials of pro-government Hindu perpetrators has a tendency to be insufficient, leading to acquittals. Even if they are convicted, BJP affiliates can be pardoned or paroled. PM Modi has been promoting Indian democracy abroad, but at home, it is a different story. His claims cannot be considered credible while he continues to implement discriminatory policies.