ISLAMOPHOBIA and hate-motivated attacks are rising globally, but perhaps nowhere are they more pervasive and institutionalized than in India. Muslim community in India faces a consistent and systemic attack on both their rights and religious heritage. From physical violence to the destruction of mosques, Muslims are enduring a particularly egregious form of discrimination.
A recent incident in Ayodhya, where a flag was hoisted at the so-called “Ram Temple” constructed on the site of the historic Babri Mosque, symbolizes the deepening disregard for Muslim religious and cultural heritage. The Babri Mosque, a centuries-old place of worship, was demolished in 1992 by extremist Hindus. Despite the tragic loss, subsequent Indian judicial processes acquitted those responsible and allowed the construction of a Hindu temple in its place, signaling the state’s endorsement of religious intolerance. This act of desecration is part of a broader pattern of threats faced by other historic mosques across India, further highlighting the vulnerability of Muslim places of worship. The situation is not limited to the physical destruction of religious sites. Indian Muslims, along with other religious minorities like Sikhs, Christians and Dalits, are subjected to marginalization and persecution in various forms.
The rise of the Hindutva ideology, which promotes Hindu supremacy, has exacerbated the alienation of these groups, leaving them politically and socially sidelined. In this context, only Hindus enjoy the full protection of their rights, while others face increasing hostility and discrimination. Our Foreign Office has rightly raised concerns over these developments, urging the international community to take notice of the ongoing persecution. The world must not remain silent in the face of these abuses. It is imperative that global bodies like the United Nations take a stand, pressuring India to uphold the rights of all its citizens, regardless of religion. As the situation in India deteriorates, it is crucial for the international community to raise its voice against the systematic erosion of religious and cultural rights. India must be held accountable for its treatment of its minority communities and steps must be taken to protect them from further harm.
