Religious intolerance in India reaches new heights under Modi’s rule
#PlightOfMinoritiesInIndia
New Delhi: Religious intolerance in India has reached alarming levels under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with widespread persecution of Muslims, Christians, and low-caste Hindus.
According to Kashmir Media Service, violence, intimidation, and harassment against religious minorities have become a daily occurrence in India, leaving these communities in a constant state of fear. The persecution of these communities has intensified since the BJP’s ascension to power, with new laws, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), being used to further disenfranchise Muslims and other minority groups.
Human rights activists and experts argue that the Modi government, driven by the ideology of Hindutva, is systematically marginalizing minorities and denying them their fundamental rights. “The BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), are promoting a dangerous agenda aimed at purging India of its religious minorities. Muslims, in particular, have borne the brunt of this wave of persecution, with hate crimes, mob lynchings, and systemic discrimination becoming all too common”.
The rise of religious intolerance has been accompanied by the growth of violent right-wing groups that openly advocate for the marginalization of non-Hindu populations. Many of these groups operate with impunity, emboldened by the BJP’s tacit support and the government’s reluctance to act against them. The situation has created a climate of fear, particularly for Muslims, who are being increasingly ostracized, targeted, and silenced under the guise of national security and religious nationalism.
The growing influence of Hindutva has also sparked concerns globally, with many calling India’s secular identity into question. Human rights organizations and international observers have raised alarms about the worsening situation, urging the global community to intervene before it escalates further.
Reports from various international human rights bodies, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, highlight the sharp rise in hate crimes, mob attacks, and discriminatory policies targeting Muslims, Christians, and Dalits under Modi’s government.
The international community is being urged to take immediate action to address the human rights violations taking place in India and ensure that the government upholds the rights of its minority populations. Activists warn that failure to act will not only worsen the situation for India’s minorities but also undermine the country’s democratic fabric, threatening peace and stability in the region.