Rising Religious Violence in India Sparks Fear for Muslim Safety

Incidents of sectarian violence targeting the Muslim minority in India have been on the rise since the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014. Hardline vigilante Hindu rightwing groups have carried out persecution, lynchings, and hate speech against Muslims, while discriminatory policies and demolitions of Muslim homes have been reported in BJP-controlled states. As India approaches an election next year, concerns are growing that violence will worsen as society becomes further divided along religious lines. The recent attacks on Muslims, including the stabbing and shooting of an imam, the assault on a young doctor, and the shooting of three men by a railway officer, have heightened tensions and raised questions about the safety of Muslims in India.