An examination of the increasing communal divide in India, focusing on the rising threats to the Muslim community's identity, safety, and dignity, amidst a backdrop of political and social turbulence by Humra Quraishi.

Photography: Vinta Nanda

The communal divide in India is widening, with the Muslim community facing unprecedented challenges. This article looks at the increasing marginalization, systemic discrimination, and media bias that portray Muslims negatively, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic values and social cohesion.

The recent order mandating the display of owners' and workers' names on food carts, eateries, and dhabas along the Kawariya route, which was eventually cancelled following court intervention, is the latest episode highlighting the increasing rift between Hindu and Muslim communities in India. This directive, seen as a potential trigger for discrimination and violence, was met with widespread relief when overturned. Yet, it gives light to a growing concern: the daily struggle of individuals, especially Muslims, trying to survive in an environment where basic necessities are increasingly out of reach and communal tensions are on the rise.

Political Landscape and Targeting of Minorities

In the BJP-ruled states of North India, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, there appears to be a deliberate strategy to marginalize the Muslim community. This marginalization manifests in various ways, from the bulldozing of homes to outright lynching and killings, creating a hostile environment where communal animosity is perpetuated as never before. The aggressive implementation of policies that disproportionately affect Muslims raises questions about the underlying motives and the broader impact on India's social fabric.

Personal Reflections and Community Impact

As an Indian Muslim, I am not just apprehensive but deeply distressed by these developments. The changing political landscape raises existential questions: why is there a growing threat to my identity, my survival, and my very existence? This unease is compounded by a sense of betrayal; why were we not prepared for an era marked by relentless communal attacks and psychological trauma? Our leaders failed to anticipate a time when Hindutva ideologues would wield such influence, fostering fear and pushing Muslims to the periphery of society.

Reflecting on my childhood in Uttar Pradesh, a state now frequently in the news for communal violence, I recall a time when religious harmony was more prevalent. However, recent incidents suggest a significant shift, with increasing reports of violence and discrimination against Muslims. The normalization of such behaviour, often under the guise of nationalism, is deeply troubling.

The Silent Struggle of the Apolitical

The Muslim community today is apprehensive, as fear mounts. This situation can be described as a massacre of the spirit of the minority population, an erosion of identity. Apolitical Muslims find themselves unable to voice their dissent or disgust, fearing the label of 'terrorist' or 'anti-national,' or worse, the prospect of extrajudicial killings and brutal incarceration. This silence is not a sign of acquiescence but a survival tactic in a climate where dissent is increasingly dangerous.

Ghettoization and Social Ostracism

The narrative of fear extends to the everyday lives of Muslims, who face heightened scrutiny and suspicion. Children are bullied in schools, families retreat into ghettos, and men are disproportionately incarcerated. This systematic alienation feeds into a larger narrative of exclusion, where Muslims are increasingly seen through a lens of suspicion and hostility. The move towards ghettoization, both voluntary and forced, is a stark indicator of the growing segregation in Indian society.

Media Portrayal and Stereotyping

This bias is not confined to personal interactions but is perpetuated by media portrayals. Bollywood and television often depict Muslims in negative lights, reinforcing stereotypes that paint them as villains or terrorists. Such portrayals have a profound impact on societal attitudes, further entrenching prejudices and biases. The impact of these negative stereotypes is far-reaching, influencing how Muslims are perceived and treated in everyday life.

Bollywood film star Farooq Sheikh once detailed the negative slants given to Muslim characters on screen, often portrayed as terrorists or villains. Similarly, bureaucrat Parvez Dewan's research highlighted how Christians, Dalits, and other minorities are also depicted negatively, contributing to a broader culture of bias and discrimination.

Erosion of Democratic Values

The growing influence of the Right Wing and its propaganda machine is not just a threat to the Muslim community but to the fabric of Indian democracy itself. The failure to implement recommendations from various commissions and committees on the condition of Muslims is indicative of a broader neglect. The traditional aristocratic class of Muslims is shrinking, and with it, the diverse ethos that once characterized Indian society.

The systemic discrimination against Muslims, coupled with the propagation of myths and misconceptions, undermines the foundational values of democracy, including equality and justice. The non-implementation of protective measures and recommendations from various committees, such as those from the Sachar Committee, further exacerbates the situation, leaving the community vulnerable and disenfranchised.

The situation today is dire, marked by a creeping authoritarianism and a systematic dismantling of the very principles that have long underpinned Indian democracy. This is not just about the Muslim community; it is about the soul of India. The question is not just how long the Muslim community can endure these indignities but how long the nation can afford to ignore the growing rift in its social fabric.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a day could soon come when each one of us could have to carry an ID card or a placard with these words scribbled on it: 'I’m a Muslim/Dalit/Christian/Sikh/Tribal/Leftist/Marxist/Trade Unionist …but no terrorist! Or come up with this basic introductory note: ‘Surviving in a Hindu Rashtra, ruled by a bunch of pracharaks and maha-pracharaks. Don’t know till about when I can breathe before I am lynched and murdered by the political mafia, on any given pretext—cow trader, triple-talaq giver or taker, azaan-lover, mosque-goer for namaaz!' 

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A Call for Reflection and Action

As these events unfold, it becomes crucial for all Indians, regardless of religion or background, to reflect on the values that unite us as a nation. The fabric of our democracy is being tested, and the response must be one of solidarity and a reaffirmation of the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect. Only through collective action and a commitment to these ideals can we hope to reverse the dangerous trajectory we find ourselves on and restore harmony and unity in our diverse society.