Islamophobia and the Broad Day Persecution of Muslims in India

Under the third term of BJP government led by PM Modi, the minorities especially Muslims are confronted with severe discrimination, violence and persecution within India, the state which has been claiming for its rich diversity and democratic principles. Systematic discrimination, communal violence and targeted legal measures are some of the tactics that have put the Muslim community in a position of heightened vulnerability and exclusion. The persistence of these actions reflects not only grave human rights violations but also a departure from India’s constitutional commitments to secularism and equality.
State Approved Persecution and “Bulldozer Justice”

Particularly in areas of communal conflict, the arbitrary demolition of properties owned by Muslims has been among the most unsettling changes occurring in India. The Indian state has occasionally used “bulldozer justice,” demolishing businesses and homes apparently in order to eliminate ‘illegal structures.’ Such demolitions are really attempts to penalize or threaten minority groups and unfairly control Muslims. Muslim victims have sought intervention from the Indian Supreme Court to demand an end to these biased policies, but there has been little court action granted. Supported by pro-Hindu discourse, this practice highlights the degree of official favoritism that is, the neglect of comparable structures in Hindu-majority regions while focusing on Muslim property.

Crackdown on Religious Freedom

The BJP government has also instituted strict anti-conversion rules, ostensibly meant to stop “forced” conversions, unfairly target Muslim converts, resulting in harassment, arrests and even life in prison penalties. These acts essentially criminalize ability of people to freely adopt their faith, therefore generating great fear among the Muslim community as well as other religious minorities. The laws are broadly worded, making it difficult to draw a line between “forced” and consensual conversions, further infringing on individual autonomy. The uptick in such cases under the anti-conversion laws demonstrates the state’s increasing encroachment on personal freedoms and religious rights.

Increasing Islamophobia and Genocidal Fears

Experts warned of growing Islamophobia in India at the third Ministerial Conference of the “Justice for All” movement, detailing circumstances that would allow genocidal atrocities against Muslims if left unbridled. Hindu nationalist rhetoric has created a situation whereby Muslims are routinely dehumanized in public debate. Public remarks made by political leaders, such as the demand for violence against people engaged in cow slaughter made by BJP member Gyan Dev Ahuja, have only heightened religious tensions. Such remarks not only encourage violence but also support public prejudice against Muslims, who have lately been blamed for more general social and economic problems in India.
Segregation in Housing and Organized Bigotry

Growing housing segregation impacting Muslims is another way that state and society discriminate. Hindu-dominated communities in Gujarat and other states purposefully exclude Muslims, therefore simulating a modern-day apartheid. Muslims, especially low-income families and single moms, suffer prejudice not only from private landlords but also from housing rules that support Hindu candidates. Recent demonstrations in a Hindu populated area against housing rules for Muslim single moms exposed the degree of systemic discrimination in the housing industry. By excluding Muslims from safe living circumstances, excellent education, and economic possibilities, this kind of segregation perpetuates generations of poverty and vulnerability.

Government Suppression of Dissent and NGOs

Under Modi’s leadership, dissenting voices especially from religious minorities and advocacy groups have been systematically suppressed. Using laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), the government has targeted individuals and NGOs that criticize its policies or work in support of minority rights. By means of these laws, the state has subjected activists, reporters and NGOs to monitoring, intimidation and property seizure. Particularly the FCRA has been used to reduce NGO activity by restricting their foreign financing, therefore undermining their potential to hold the government responsible on human rights concerns. This repression results in a situation whereby advocacy for justice becomes ever more difficult and fear dominates free expression.

Government inactivity and targeted violence

Particularly during religious activities, violence against Muslims have been on increasing frequency. For example, Muslims praying at Gujarat University were physically attacked fiercely during Ramadan. Such passivity shows a clear discrepancy with India’s secularism since it does not defend religious minority against growing social conflicts. Government agencies indirectly approve offenders when they decline to interfere in violent events, therefore compromising the Muslim community even more. The ongoing attacks show a systematic indifference or downright animosity towards Muslims, therefore leaving them vulnerable and creating an environment of impunity for attackers.

Legal Exclusion Under CAA and NRC

The black laws meant to marginalize Muslim communities even more are the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The CAA offers a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, effectively excluding Muslims and calling into question their place within India’s identity. Enforcement of NRC especially in Assam, where nearly 700,000 Muslims are at risk of losing citizenship, which could lead to statelessness and further socio-economic marginalization. These laws institutionalize the exclusion of Muslims from the fabric of Indian society, therefore relegating them to the position of ‘outsiders’ notwithstanding years of contributions to cultural and economic life of India.

Digital Persecution, Hate Speech and Social Media

It is impossible to ignore role of social media in disseminating hate speech, false information and encouragement of violence. Hindu nationalist groups have weaponized internet forums to spread false information about Muslims, hence igniting community violence and communal tensions. Social media content that give provocative content top priority aggravate the situation, so social media becomes a powerful weapon for communal division. Social media firms have been hesitant to respond despite demands for responsibility, allowing a flood of damaging material to go unbridled. Anti-Muslim discourse has been empowered through social media platform, which has resulted in actual violence and drives more general persecution of Muslims.

Role of International Community

A severe human rights issue requiring world attention is the continuous persecution of Muslims in India. International organizations have to aggressively fight for protective policies holding India responsible for her grave human rights violations. Long-standing UN resolutions on the right to self-determination in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir remain unmet even now. Implementing the UN’s plebiscite resolution for Jammu and Kashmir would be a critical step in supporting the rights of Kashmiri Muslims and mitigating a major regional flashpoint. Organizations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the UN Human Rights Council should amplify their efforts to hold India accountable for its actions against Muslim minorities. The world community notice may open the path for real advancement toward peace and inclusivity by pressing India to ensure constitutional guarantees for all minorities. International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) should also start focused efforts against housing discrimination and religious rights for Muslims as well as in favor of the defense of dissenting voices under repressive policies like the UAPA and FCRA.

Conclusion

Ultimately, under the third term of BJP, the rise of violence, discrimination and exclusion of Muslims in India represents a major humanitarian disaster. The policies of PM Modi and the rise in communal violence show that India has broken some of its most important claims of being a secular and democratic state. The rest of the world owes it to all minorities that live in India to speak out against this abuse and make sure everyone feels safe. The world can help Muslims of India in their fight for fairness, respect and justice by working together to fight policies and practices that are unfair to Muslims within India and in IIOJK.