India’s Muslims Fear a Growing Backlash After Kashmir Attack
In the wake of a terrorist attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people, tensions in India have escalated, leading to widespread detentions and demolitions targeting Muslims. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accused Pakistan of supporting the attack and has threatened retaliatory military action, while right-wing Hindu groups have intensified campaigns against Muslims, labeling them as illegal migrants and terrorists. In states governed by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, there have been reports of violence and harassment against Muslims, with some being killed under the guise of hate crimes. In Gujarat, authorities have detained thousands, demolishing homes in the name of targeting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, despite many detainees being Indian citizens. Activists and human rights groups have condemned these actions as a continuation of a broader agenda to demonize Muslims, accusing the government of using its power unlawfully against minority communities.
Following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir, the Indian government has initiated punitive actions against Pakistan, while domestically, right-wing Hindu groups have targeted Muslims, accusing them of being illegal migrants and terrorists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed military retaliation against Pakistan, accusing it of involvement in the Kashmir attack, which Pakistan denies, heightening regional tensions and concerns of imminent conflict.
In several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, there have been reports of hate crimes against Muslims, with incidents of violence and harassment, as right-wing groups exploit the situation to further their anti-Muslim agenda.
In Gujarat, authorities have conducted mass detentions and demolitions in Muslim-majority areas, claiming to target illegal immigrants, but many detainees have been found to be Indian citizens, raising concerns of indiscriminate and unlawful actions.
Human rights groups have condemned the government's actions as part of a long-standing strategy to demonize Muslims and unite the Hindu majority, criticizing the use of state power for unconstitutional measures against minority communities.
The backlash against Muslims has extended beyond Kashmir, with reports of harassment and threats towards Kashmiri students in various Indian cities, prompting regional officials to intervene for their protection.
Social activists argue that the government's framing of Indian Muslims as 'Bangladeshi' is an old tactic used to justify discrimination and oppression, with legal petitions challenging the demolitions and detentions being dismissed by the courts on national security grounds.