Islamophobia is on the rise and rampant even in the civilized nations of the world. The hatred and hostility against Islam terrorises the Muslims across the world. Muslims are demonized, defiled and blamed in most states of the world. I will strictly talk about the brutalities and problems faced by muslims in the world’s largest democratic Country- India. Well, to be honest, i can’t jot down all those instances of humiliation, indignity or brutality faced by Indian muslims while dwelling in a country with gaudy democracy. The reason for such disclaimer is that India teems in such cases of violence and savagery. More often than not, the impeccant Indian muslims fell prey to the savagery of so called patriotic goons. It’s disheartening to know that in a democratic country such culprits are still at large for nobody has been punished for such inhuman act so far. The Indian Jingoists make duff claims against Indian muslims and remain all agog to find faults with them. There are countless incidents recorded and documented, when Indian muslims were accused, riviled and ultimately found sackless. The condition of Indian muslims is even more lousy than what is being portrayed. Well, just because your country has a democratic tag doesn’t mean that you will enjoy the freedom of speech and expression in a full swing. You will be tempted to veil archetypal stories and display only government friendly stuffs.
To my mind, there are two main reasons triggering Islamophobia in India – Indian jingoist media and the grave Kashmir Issue. Indian media is notorious for chauvinism, prejudice and discrimination. Indian media spreads hate against Muslims and provoke the masses against the innocent Indian muslims who used to live in harmony with their hindu friends.
What Kashmiris have endured for decades, Indian muslims will then face the similar brutalities and atrocities.
After partition, the Indian muslims who didn’t leave for Pakistan had decided to live with their hindu friends, colleagues, neighbors and acquaintances. But now the Indian jingoists are proving them wrong and humiliating them howsoever they like. The unresolved Kashmir issue is also responsible for social disorder and the up surging Islamophobia in India. It has increased the susceptibility of Indian muslims and hence perils their honor, peace and lives as well! We know that Kashmir was never paradise for kashmiris and while dwelling in Kashmir we have faced numerous humiliations and genocides. Kashmir has also been venomous for Indian muslims. Indian jingoists blatantly kill and humiliate Indian muslims, demonized them and get them punished at the hands of law. The uprising of armed struggle in Kashmir has detrimental effects on Indian muslims. Whenever anything untoward happens here (say e.g.; killing of a security personal) the repercussions are faced by the helpless Indian muslims. More often than not, the criminals then shamelessly and fearlessly upload such incidents on social media networks. Why don’t they get punished? Who backs them in such atrocious and inhumane acts? Such questions keep on patrolling the minds of the helpless staunch supporter of victims. When we would get our birth right, “The right of self determination “would Indian muslims be able to take cosy breaths in India? Well, an emphatic no should be muttered for this question. The situation will become absolutely terrible and agonizing. What Kashmiris have endured for decades, Indian muslims will then face the similar brutalities and atrocities.
(The author is B.Sc nursing student at south campus University of Kashmir and regularly writes for Kashmir Horizon. Views are his own)
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