The recent demolition of a mosque and religious school in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, is a troubling illustration of the agenda pursued by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India and its potential consequences for human rights and religious equality. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been a notable transformation in India’s political landscape, steering the nation away from its professed commitment to secularism and democracy and towards a more divisive and authoritarian trajectory. Such developments not only threaten the fundamental principles of inclusivity and pluralism upon which India’s democracy was founded but also undermine its global standing as a beacon of diversity and tolerance.
The demolition of a mosque and religious school in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, sparked protests leading to at least five deaths and numerous injuries. Residents argued that they were unfairly targeted despite an impending court hearing. Police fired live ammunition and tear gas after Muslims reportedly torched vehicles and threw stones. The incident reflects escalating tensions over religious structures and land encroachment issues. Uttarakhand’s chief minister vowed strict action against rioters, while critics blame hasty administration actions and Hindu supremacist sentiment emboldened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, exemplified by recent temple inaugurations and past demolitions.
The systematic demolition of Muslim-owned homes and businesses in Nuh, Haryana, epitomizes a disturbing trend unfolding under the current Hindu nationalist regime in India. Following the destruction, Hindu right-wing groups in the state called for boycotting Muslim businesses and urged Hindu-owned establishments to dismiss Muslim employees.
The Uttarakhand mosque demolition is a reflection of a new trend in India: using anti-encroachment drives to demolish mosques. The first was in Delhi, and this is the second. In a way, the second is more disturbing, for it reflects a trend, and cannot be seen as a one-off event.
Countries worldwide have a responsibility to collectively condemn India’s actions and advocate for measures that compel the Indian government to uphold the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation. Failing to address this situation decisively puts peace and security in the region at significant risk.
These actions are rooted in a hateful rhetoric perpetuated by the government, fostering an environment of discrimination and violence against the Muslim community. Moreover, the targeted destruction of Muslim properties in areas like Nuh, where Muslims have resided for centuries, suggests a calculated effort to eradicate all traces of Muslim heritage from the country’s landscape.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable alignment between India and Israel, as Hindu nationalist leaders have shown admiration for Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. They draw inspiration from Israel’s systematic erasure of Palestinian history and culture, which bears resemblance to India’s demolition drives and discriminatory laws targeting Muslims. For instance, the destruction of the historic Babri Masjid mosque in 1992 by extremists supported by Modi’s party, followed by the construction of a Hindu temple on its site, mirrors Israel’s appropriation of Palestinian land and heritage. Similarly, India has witnessed the removal of chapters on Islamic history from school textbooks and the exclusion of Muslim presence from public discourse, parallel to Israel’s denial of Palestinian existence.
During protests against discriminatory laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Muslim homes and businesses have been selectively targeted, revealing the biased application of laws to suppress the Muslim community. Hindu supremacist groups, often with implicit support from authorities, have systematically attacked Muslim properties and places of worship, while avoiding accountability. These actions, combined with the removal of Islamic history from educational curricula, signify a deliberate attempt to erase the Muslim heritage in India.
The alarming rise of anti-Muslim sentiments within the Hindu nationalist movement, exemplified by hate speech from political leaders and ideologues, raises concerns about the potential for genocide. The intent to eliminate or marginalize the Muslim community is evident in the rhetoric and actions of Hindu nationalist figures, echoing past genocidal atrocities.
The recent surge of religious discrimination and systematic erasure of Muslim heritage in India poses a dire threat to the nation’s democratic fabric and stability, verging on the classification of a rogue state within its own borders. The demolition of mosques, targeted violence against Muslim communities, and the erosion of religious equality under the BJP-led government signify a perilous departure from India’s foundational principles of inclusivity and pluralism. These alarming developments not only perpetuate egregious human rights violations but also fuel internal strife and endanger the country’s social cohesion.
In the light of India’s troubling slide into religious intolerance and authoritarianism, it is of utmost importance for the international community, with the support of organizations like the United Nations, to take urgent action. The erosion of India’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is not only a concern within the country, but also has far-reaching consequences for regional stability and the promotion of human rights on a global scale.
Countries worldwide have a responsibility to collectively condemn India’s actions and advocate for measures that compel the Indian government to uphold the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation. Failing to address this situation decisively puts peace and security in the region at significant risk.
