A recent call for Muslim genocide during a Hindu religious assembly in India has triggered outrage in the country and has brought the country to the brink of a civil war. The deafening silence of Indian leaders, notably the Modi regime, shows their endorsement and tacit support of the anti-Muslim vitriol.
The Indian government has turned a blind eye to the open call against Muslims and hate campaign by Hindutva groups. A former military chief, right activists and politicians have also demanded action over the threat to peace and communal harmony. A former Indian naval chief has explicitly said that calls for ethnic cleansing would lead to a civil war and there should be outright condemnation and firm action.
The Hindu Mahasabha, a right-wing extremist group that espouses militant Hindu nationalism, had sworn to turn India into a Hindu nation even if it required killing the country’s Muslims. Despite the rising tide of anti-Muslim rhetoric, this was the most blatant call for violence in recent years. Video of the event spread on social media but the fascist BJP regime has not commented on the incident. The characteristic silence can surely be interpreted as a sign of supporting the vile campaign.
The Indian police readily take action against rights activists and comedians on trumped up charges but have been hesitant in taking action against these fringe groups. A Muslim comedian, Munawar Faruqi, had been forced to quit after twelve of his shows were cancelled in two months amid protests by Hindu groups. There have been multiple incidents of violence against Muslims, including attacks by mobs trying to close businesses owned by Muslims.
Hindu extremists have preached violence online for years, but the violence has recently spilled onto the streets. Muslim fruit sellers have been beaten and their earnings snatched away. Muslim activists have been threatened with prosecution under anti-terrorism laws. In recent months, Hindu groups have confronted Muslims during Friday prayers and disrupted their religious gatherings.
The BJP government believes it can use Hindu nationalism for elections but this can backfire and create chaos which can have far-reaching repercussions. It is high time the world takes notice and acts against the Modi regime before a tragedy unfolds.
