Disturbing surge in anti-Muslim hate speech in India: Report
Washington: India experienced a disturbing surge in anti-Muslim hate speech events in 2023, with nearly two incidents occurring per day on average, according to a report released by India Hate Lab (IHL), a reputable research group based in Washington, DC.
According to Kashmir Media Service, India Hate Lab documented 668 hate speech incidents targeting Muslims in 2023, 255 of which occurred in the first half of the year while 413 took place in the last six months of 2023. About 75 percent, or 498, of those incidents took place in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to the report.
The report said that the timing of these hate speech incidents is particularly noteworthy, as they peaked between August and November, coinciding with the period of political campaigning and polling in four major states. It also said that the devastating Israeli war against Gaza played a key role in the escalation of anti-Muslim hate speech over the last three months.
The IHL has documented the widespread occurrence of hate speeches directed at Indian Muslims across various platforms, including social media, political rallies, and mainstream media outlets. These hate speeches often propagate divisive narratives, demonize Muslims, and promote discriminatory attitudes, contributing to an atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and hostility.
The research underscores the systemic nature of hate speech in India, with certain political figures and extremist groups consistently employing inflammatory rhetoric to vilify Muslims and advance their own agendas.
The findings highlight the detrimental impact of hate speech on Indian Muslims’ lives and well-being. Beyond the immediate psychological harm inflicted by derogatory language and incendiary rhetoric, hate speech can fuel violence, discrimination, and hate crimes against Muslim communities, exacerbating their vulnerability and marginalization within Indian society.
As per the IHL’s report, factors such as rising religious nationalism, polarized media coverage, and impunity for perpetrators of hate crimes have created an environment conducive to the proliferation of anti-Muslim sentiment and rhetoric in India.
