Celebrated as a land of diversity and cultural harmony, India now faces a disparate challenge to its foundational ideals. Public spaces, once emblematic of pluralism, are increasingly perilous for minorities, especially Muslims. The rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and violence, especially after the 2014 political regime change under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Hindu nationalist ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), reveals the fractures in India’s pluralistic identity. Acts of intimidation, exclusion, and brutality have grown alarmingly common.
Recent incidents such as the lynching of a 22-year-old Muslim youth, Sabir Malik, in Haryana state and the harassment of an elderly Muslim man on a train in Maharashtra, are not isolated but symptomatic of a society teetering under the weight of polarization. These acts, normalized through political discourse under the guise of protecting “religious sentiments” or preserving “cultural values,” expose a deliberate political strategy aimed at perpetuating division and consolidating power.
For decades, markets, streets, and transportation hubs symbolized India’s shared cultural and social life. Today, many of them have transformed into zones of alienation for Muslims. The very places intended to nurture interaction and unity now evoke fear and hostility.
This shift reflects a broader societal failure, where hate is normalized, and minorities are denied their rightful place in public life. The lynching of Sabir, reportedly under the pretext of the cow protection movement, is only one of many incidents in which Muslims have become targets. The pervasiveness of these acts sends a chilling message: public spaces are no longer neutral; they are battlegrounds where identity determines safety.
A History of Exclusion and Violence
Anti-Muslim violence is deeply entrenched in India’s history, yet the recent surge reflects a worrying intensification. Shortly after Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister in 2014, Mohsin Shaikh, a software engineer, was brutally killed, reportedly because of his “Muslim appearance” in Maharashtra state. This tragic incident marked the beginning of a disturbing trend of lynching attacks targeting individuals simply based on their Muslim identity. The lynching of Junaid Khan in 2017, who was targeted on a train over his faith, and the 2023 killing of four passengers by a Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel further highlight the vulnerability of Muslims in public spaces. Such hostilities reveal the persistence of communal hatred, often fueled by political rhetoric that paints Muslims as threats to the nation. It underscores how the expression of Muslim ethos became an issue in Modi’s “new India.”
This dehumanization, where Muslims are labeled “invaders” or outsiders, is not incidental. It is a deliberate strategy for polarization and consolidating political power. The language of exclusion legitimizes violence, transforming the public perception of Muslims from citizens to adversaries. By invoking historical grievances or manipulating religious sensitivities, this rhetoric undermines India’s secular fabric and entrenches societal divides.
Cow vigilantism epitomizes how religious symbolism is weaponized to target minorities. Groups acting in the name of “cow protection” have perpetrated horrific acts of violence, often with tacit or explicit state support. Laws intended to preserve religious sanctity are now exploited to justify brutality.
The ongoing flood of legal cases challenging the status of numerous mosques—alleging they were constructed over demolished Hindu temples—reflect a deliberate and systematic effort to erase the cultural and historical legacy of these sites.
Shaping Divisive Narratives
A section of the media once hailed as the “watchdog of democracy,” has become complicit in perpetuating anti-Muslim sentiment. Sensationalized reporting disproportionately focuses on crimes allegedly involving Muslims, fueling a narrative that portrays them as threats to societal stability. Campaigns like “love jihad” exemplify this trend, turning interfaith relationships into matters of conspiracy and fear.
Such portrayals reinforce stereotypes, encouraging suspicion, hostility, and even violence. Rather than serving as a platform for dialogue and reconciliation, sections of the media have become tools of polarization, aligning with nationalist agendas. This distortion of facts deepens communal divides, creating an environment where hate is not just tolerated but justified.
Addressing this requires urgent reforms and introspection in media accountability. Ethical journalism must prioritize truth over sensationalism and reclaim its role as a pillar of democracy and a bridge for understanding.
At the same time, journalists who challenge the government or expose uncomfortable truths face escalating harassment and intimidation. Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub, known for her fearless reporting on communal violence and political complicity, represents a troubling case study. During a reporting trip to Manipur state in October, Ayyub was reportedly followed by local intelligence agents, highlighting the lengths to which authorities may go to surveil and intimidate critical voices.
The harassment escalated in November when a right-wing social media account on X, formerly Twitter, leaked her phone number to unleash a torrent of abuse. Over 200 calls and explicit messages poured in, accompanied by relentless one-time password requests designed to paralyze her digital presence. These tactics highlight an insidious effort to stifle dissent and critical reporting through harassment, legal cases, and character assassination.
Defending India’s Secular Vision
India’s Constitution enshrines the ideals of unity in diversity, guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities to all its citizens. However, the marginalization of Muslims poses a serious threat to this vision. Protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens is not only a moral imperative—it’s essential for preserving India’s democratic integrity.
To restore India’s pluralistic identity, public spaces must be reclaimed as inclusive environments where every citizen feels safe and respected. This requires addressing not just overt acts of violence but tackling the subtle, systemic biases that alienate minorities. When society collectively upholds mutual respect, it sends a powerful message that India’s diversity is a source of strength, not division.
Addressing the fractures in India’s pluralism requires a collective effort—through legal reforms, educational initiatives, media accountability, and community engagement. The state must be held accountable for its actions, ensuring that its acts abide by the constitutional principles of justice and equality. Politicians who seek to divide the electorate along communal lines must be defeated, and those who support the assassins of India’s constitutional values must be called out and held responsible for undermining the nation’s secular fabric.
The fight against anti-Muslim hate and violence is not merely about defending a minority group; it is about safeguarding the very soul of India. These values of equality are crucial to ensuring that India remains a vibrant democracy where every citizen, regardless of their faith, has a sense of belonging.
(Amal Chandra is an Indian author, political analyst, and columnist, and Kavya Gupta is a writer and independent researcher who graduated from the Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University.)