India's population is predominantly Hindu, with approximately 684 million individuals, representing about 82.05% of the total population. In contrast, the Muslim community stands at around 103.5 million, making up roughly 12.41%. Christians account for about 2% (16.7 million), while Sikhs represent 1.79% (14.9 million). Buddhists number around 4.8 million (0.58%), Jains make up 0.11% with about 904,000 adherents, and other religions contribute around 0.86% (720,000), with 164,400 individuals classified as undisclosed.
A common refrain from the ruling party in India is тАЬHindu khatre mein hai,тАЭ or тАЬHindus are in danger.тАЭ This raises the question: from whom are 684 million Hindus in danger? The alarming rhetoric seems disconnected from reality, especially considering that the nation's leadershipтАФranging from the President and Prime Minister to various ministers and military leadersтАФis predominantly Hindu.
This begs the question of where the perceived threat originates and why it has been instilled in the minds of the populace. It appears that the ruling party is cultivating this sense of peril for electoral gain, misleading many Hindus into feeling threatened despite their political dominance.
For Muslims in India, the situation is increasingly dire. Reports indicate a rising frequency of mosque demolitions, lynchings, and other acts of violence, often occurring with negligible public outcry. Law enforcement frequently arrests Muslims for alleged offenses related to cow trafficking or personal relationships deemed inappropriate, while similar actions involving Hindus are often overlooked or celebrated.
There is a disconcerting double standard: Muslims face accusations of "Love Jihad" when forming romantic relationships with Hindus, while the reverse is generally accepted.
Muslims often face scrutiny based on their attire or cultural practices. A potent example is the fact that India is one of the world's largest beef exporters, although Muslims are frequently targeted for the consumption of beef, with lynchings occurring due to unfounded allegations of possessing or preparing beef.
Muslims face accusations of Love Jihad when forming romantic relationships with Hindus, while the reverse is generally accepted
Notably, the country exported beef worth over $10 billion in 2023 while simultaneously subjecting its Muslim citizens to violence over perceived violations of dietary laws.
One tragic incident on August 24 exemplified the brutality faced by Muslims: a 12th-grade student was murdered by cow vigilantes in Haryana, with the assailant later expressing regret for mistakenly targeting a Hindu.
This illustrates that the animosity is often rooted in religious identity rather than actual grievances. In another case, a young man named Mohammad Ishaq was beaten to death for allegedly stealing bananas from a temple, highlighting the dehumanization Muslims face.
Despite being governed under Congress in some areas, hate crimes against Muslims continue unabated, with political leaders seemingly reluctant to confront these issues for fear of alienating their voter base.
Instances such as the lynching of Tabraz Ansari, who died after being forced to chant Hindu slogans, demonstrate a problematic trend in which police often fail to pursue justice for victims. The pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among Indian Muslims today is alarming. As they navigate a landscape marked by hostility and violence, the hope for protection from the institutions meant to safeguard them continues to diminish.
The present-day Indian Muslim faces a grim reality, with little faith that their rights and safety will be upheld.
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*Law student and rights defender
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