Keywords: Mob lynching, Modi 3.0, BJP, Muslims, Hindutva ideology, Religious intolerance, Asaduddin Owaisi, Genocide warning, Law enforcement, Political interference, Violence, Communal hatred
India, a nation celebrated for its diversity and pluralism, has found itself entangled in a distressing narrative of violence and hatred. This narrative has become increasingly pronounced with the rise of Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The third term of Modi’s leadership, often referred to as “Modi 3.0,” has seen an alarming surge in mob lynching incidents, predominantly targeting Muslims. This wave of violence raises serious questions about the safety and security of the country’s Muslim population and the overarching influence of Hindutva ideology.
The Disturbing Trend of Violence
The statistics paint a harrowing picture. A research report, three years into Modi’s first term, highlighted that 97% of all cow-related violence in India occurred after he assumed office. Fast forward to Modi’s third term, and the frequency of such lynchings has only intensified. The narrative of mob lynching has evolved beyond cow-related violence to include other flimsy pretexts, reflecting a broader agenda of religious persecution.
Recent Incidents
The months following the 2024 elections have been particularly brutal. On June 7th, three men—Saddam Qureshi, Guddu Khan, and Miya Khan—were brutally killed for allegedly transporting cattle. This incident was followed by the lynching of Md Farid, also known as Aurangzeb, on June 18th in Aligarh. He was accused of robbery, a charge that remains unproven but cost him his life.
The violence continued unabated. On June 22nd, Salman, a 23-year-old from Gujarat, was beaten to death. The involvement of Shakti Singh, a relative of a BJP MLA, in this case has raised serious concerns about political interference and the shielding of perpetrators. Similarly, Irshad Alam, a mechanic, was lynched on June 28th in Kolkata over mere suspicion of mobile theft.
July witnessed the killing of Maulana Shahab Uddin, an imam in Jharkhand, and Firoz Qureshi in Shamli. These incidents underscore a pattern of targeting Muslims under various pretexts, reflecting a dangerous trend of religious intolerance and hatred.
Political and Social Ramifications
The rise in mob lynchings has not gone unnoticed. Asaduddin Owaisi, a prominent Member of Parliament from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), has been vocal about the increased violence against Muslims. In his speech at the Lok Sabha, he highlighted the surge in lynchings post-election, calling for immediate attention and action from the government.
The silence and, at times, implicit endorsement from political leaders have emboldened perpetrators. The failure to unequivocally condemn such acts and ensure swift justice has created an environment of impunity. This has further alienated the Muslim community, fostering a sense of fear and insecurity.
The Warning of Genocide
The situation has drawn international attention. Dr. Gregory Stanton, who predicted the Rwandan genocide, has issued a stark warning about the potential for a genocide targeting India’s Muslim population. With a population of over 200 million Muslims, India stands at a precarious juncture where unchecked violence could spiral into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
The Ideological Underpinning
The ideological underpinnings of this violence trace back to the Hindutva philosophy espoused by the BJP and its affiliates. This ideology, which envisions India as a primarily Hindu nation, has marginalized minorities, particularly Muslims, portraying them as the ‘other’. The current political climate has seen this ideology gaining ground, often at the cost of social harmony and inclusiveness.
The glorification of cow protection, a symbol deeply ingrained in Hindu sentiments, has been weaponized against Muslims. This narrative, coupled with the demonization of Muslims as ‘beef eaters’ or ‘cow smugglers’, has provided a convenient pretext for violence. Moreover, the portrayal of Muslims as a threat to national security and cultural identity has further fueled the fires of communal hatred.
The Role of Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies have been criticized for their inadequate response to mob lynchings. In many cases, there is a lack of prompt action, thorough investigations, and stringent punishments for the perpetrators. The influence of political connections and societal pressures often leads to compromised investigations and the erosion of justice.
For instance, the pressure on police to remove Shakti Singh’s name from the list of accused in Salman’s case highlights the political interference that undermines the rule of law. Such instances contribute to a culture of impunity, where perpetrators believe they can act without facing consequences.
The Need for a Strong Response
Addressing the issue of mob lynching requires a multi-faceted approach. There is a pressing need for comprehensive legal reforms to ensure stringent punishments for those involved in mob violence. Swift and unbiased investigations must be conducted, and political influences should be kept at bay to uphold the rule of law.
Moreover, political leaders must unequivocally condemn all forms of mob violence. Their silence or ambiguous statements often embolden perpetrators. Strong political will and commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation, are crucial.
Civil society also has a significant role to play. Raising awareness, fostering inter-community dialogue, and promoting inclusiveness can help counter the divisive narratives. Educational institutions, media, and grassroots organizations must work collectively to bridge the communal divides and foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding.
The surge of mob lynching under Modi 3.0 is a dark chapter in India’s contemporary history. It challenges the very essence of the nation’s secular and democratic fabric. The international community, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens must hold the Indian government accountable for protecting the rights and lives of its Muslim population.
India stands at a crossroads. The path chosen will determine whether it remains a beacon of pluralism or descends into the abyss of communal hatred and violence. The time for decisive action is now, before the warning of genocide becomes a tragic reality.
