In the wake of the ongoing Muslim genocide in Gaza, the international community’s silence has become a haunting backdrop, providing a sense of impunity to fascist states like India. Under the leadership of right-wing Hindu Nationalist Narendra Modi, India faces accusations of potentially initiating a similar genocide against its Muslim population. Genocide Watch, a globally recognized organization committed to monitoring and raising awareness about genocide and mass atrocities, has raised a red flag, warning of the swift progression toward the potential genocide of Muslims in India.
Gregory Stanton, the founder of Genocide Watch and the man responsible for predicting the Rwandan genocide five years in advance, recently presented a sobering message during a US congressional briefing. He cited serious “signs and processes” in India that indicate to the danger of genocide. The revocation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)’s special autonomous status, as well as the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, which selectively grants citizenship to religious minorities but excludes Muslims, are key factors contributing to this ominous forecast. These measures, according to Stanton, are symptoms of Modi’s Hindutva philosophy, suggesting an oncoming threat to not only the Muslim minority but all the minorities at large specially Sikhs which culminated into a global issue with the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Stanton’s model of genocide, as outlined in ‘The Ten Stages of Genocide,’ provides a framework to understand India’s historical progression through these stages. The stages include classification, symbolization, discrimination, dehumanization, polarization, preparation, organized persecution, extermination, denial, and post-genocidal reconstruction. This model sheds light on the chilling evolution of events, depicting the systematic erasure of both victims and the memory of their suffering.
The initial stage, Classification, involves categorizing people into “us” and “them” based on ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics. In India, historical instances of religious and caste-based classification have contributed to social divisions. The Symbolization stage involves assigning symbols to the classified groups, often leading to the marginalization of certain communities. Symbols can be visible markers like clothing or colors, and in India, religious symbols and caste identities have played significant roles in symbolization. Discrimination involves the denial of rights and opportunities to the targeted group. India has witnessed instances of discrimination based on religion, caste, and ethnicity, leading to social and economic disparities. Dehumanization entails portraying the targeted group as inferior, subhuman, or even dangerous. Hate speech and propaganda have been used to dehumanize certain communities in India, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and hostility. The Polarization involves deepening divisions between “us” and “them” through propaganda, social and political polarization, and the creation of extremist ideologies. In India, instances of religious and communal polarization have heightened tensions and fueled violence. The Preparation stage involves the planning and organization of systematic violence. In India, instances of communal violence and targeted attacks on specific communities may be seen as manifestations of this stage. Organized Persecution involves the systematic targeting and isolation of the victim group. This stage has been evident in episodes of communal violence and persecution based on religious or caste identity in India. The stage of Extermination involves mass killings and genocidal acts. While India has not experienced full-scale genocide, instances of targeted violence against specific groups have been documented in its history. After the atrocities, Denial involves attempts to conceal or minimize the acts committed. In India, instances of historical denial or downplaying of communal violence have been observed. This final stage of Post-Genocidal Reconstruction involves rebuilding society after the violence. In India, addressing the aftermath of communal tensions and promoting reconciliation is an ongoing challenge.
Genocide Watch now classifies the acts of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Administration in India against Muslims and Dalits as stages Polarization, Preparation, and Persecution. These stages emphasize divisive policies and acts directed toward religious and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslims. According to the paper, Modi’s remarks at Aligarh Muslim University, in which he claimed that his controversial legislation are intended to “uplift the Muslim community,” are symptomatic of Denial stage. In the framework of genocide studies, denial frequently precedes the final escalation that leads to genocide.
The fast escalation of state-inflicted violence against minorities, particularly Muslims, has sparked fears that genocide could occur in India as early as 2025. The Hindutva ideology, founded on ultra-nationalist and exclusionary ideals, has fostered prejudice and persecution. Discriminatory measures, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act, are viewed as tools for disenfranchising and marginalizing Muslim populations, forcing them to the margins of society.
The surge of Hindu extremism in India under the Modi regime has raised global alarm, as underscored in the CNN article by Rhea Mogul and Swati Gupta titled “India’s Hindu extremists are calling for genocide against Muslims. Why is little being done to stop them?”. The article details a conference in Haridwar in December 2021, where a Hindu extremist openly advocated for the mass killing of Muslims, highlighting the troubling lack of government response and the implicit support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda. The Hindu Mahasabha’s vision, declaring India the “National Home of the Hindus,” coupled with its controversial campaigns, signifies a dangerous trend. The absence of repercussions for extremist comments poses a serious threat to minorities, especially Muslims, fueling concerns of an eventual genocide. As these issues gain global attention, the world watches anxiously, questioning why little is being done to curb this alarming rise in extremism on a broader scale.
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The danger lies not only in the policies themselves but also in the broader socio-political environment they create. The rise of extremist ideologies, coupled with state-induced impunity and complicity, has intensified religious and ethnic tensions. Hate crimes, mob violence, and targeted attacks against minorities have become increasingly prevalent, fostering an environment of fear and insecurity.
International stakeholders and human rights organizations face a critical juncture in addressing this potential crisis. The global community must heed the warnings of Genocide Watch and closely monitor the situation in India. Diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and international condemnation may serve as deterrents to the escalation of violence and discriminatory policies.
Furthermore, civil society, both within India and around the world, plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and advocating for the protection of minority rights. Grassroots movements, social activists, and advocacy groups must unite to condemn discrimination, challenge divisive ideologies, and demand accountability for human rights violations.
This shift from a secular India to a Hindutva-driven Bharat has not only altered the nation’s political landscape but has also raised concerns about the protection of minority rights and the potential erosion of the founding principles of pluralism. The perceived irreversibility of this transformation underscores the profound impact on the nation’s identity, emphasizing the need for vigilant efforts to safeguard the principles of diversity and secularism for future generations.
The potential genocide in India is not just a regional issue but a global concern that demands urgent attention. The lessons from history compel the international community to act swiftly and decisively to prevent the repetition of past atrocities. The world cannot afford to be a silent spectator in the face of potential genocide; collective action is imperative to uphold the principles of human rights, justice, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
