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Communalism Hate Speech

Communally charged speeches continue across North India this week

Hate-laced speeches filled with fake news and exaggerated claims by Hindutva leaders continue across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh

Growing number of hate speech events are becoming indicative of growing tensions in various regions of India as the 2024 General Assembly elections come closer. Communal harmony appears to be increasingly fragile and divisive rhetoric as fake news continues to gain momentum and becomes a lucrative means to polarise communities.

Nagaur, Rajasthan

In a disturbing turn of events, a recent gathering organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Nagaur, Rajasthan, witnessed a far-right leader delivering a divisive and communal speech targeting Muslims and their faith. The speaker, in a contentious assertion, claimed Afghanistan as Hindu territory, referring to it as “ours” on behalf of the Hindu community. He went even further by suggesting that historical Islamic holy cities, Makkah and Madina, belonged to Hindu rulers, specifically to a king named Makeshwar Bahadur.

 

On the 1st of September, the Rajasthan police helpline on X tagged the Nagaur Police to take necessary measures against the individuals responsible for delivering this inflammatory speech.

Raipur, Chhattisgarh

In another worrisome incident, Mahavir, a leader of the Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad delivered a communal speech in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, targeting Muslims and their faith. Mahavir’s inflammatory statements included allegations that Muslims had come to India and caused widespread destruction. He also made erroneous and inciteful claims about Muslims and Islamic history. “Muslims have come to India and destroyed everything.” He went on to say that Muslims have always followed Hindu practices. He started by saying the Prophet Mohammed used to worship a “Bhagwan Makeshwar” in Makkah. This provocative rhetoric has raised concerns about communal harmony in the region. The video surfaced on X on 31st of September.

Hathni, Haryana

Further intensifying the communal fears, members of Hindu far-right groups in Hathni, Haryana, organised an event that promoted hostility towards Muslims. During this gathering, speakers expressed grievances about feeling under attack and claimed that Muslims were advocating violence against “Kafirs” (non-believers). They alleged that Muslims were trying to prevent Hindus from identifying with their religious heritage and traditions, saying “We have never attacked unprovoked…but today Muslims want us to not identify as Hindus. Muslims are being taught to kill “Kafirs” and think those who don’t believe and follow the Shariah have no right to live on the earth.” The incidents came to light on social media 1st September, 2023.

The authorities have taken note of such blatant attempts at disrupting communal harmony. For instance, in August 3rd, according to The Hindu, in the wake of the communal violence in Nuh a plea was filed by petitioner Shaheen Abdullah in the Supreme Court. The petitioner approached the court seeking preventive measures against rallies that could potentially ignite communal tensions and violence in Delhi and Noida. The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, issued a comprehensive order on the need for preventive measures to curb violence and hate speech during these “rallies.”

Justice Khanna talked about the detrimental impact of hate speech on the social atmosphere and stressed the responsibility of authorities to ensure that no acts of violence or hate speech transpire. In response to these concerns, the court directed both the Central government and the respective State authorities to collaborate effectively to maintain law and order during these demonstrations. Furthermore, the Bench reminded the Centre of a prior directive issued in October 2022, which called for proactive registration of cases against hate speech offenders, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to uphold the secular nature of the nation.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju provided assurances of the Centre’s commitment to complying with the court’s orders. The plea had highlighted worries about the potential for violence in the neighbouring state of Haryana and instances of hate speech during these events.

In times like these, it remains crucial for India to uphold its values of diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity to ensure a harmonious coexistence of its diverse population. However while Supreme Court has taken cognizance of these issues and directed Centre to take proactive steps, it seems like not a lot has been done as events like these continue to occur repeatedly.

Related:

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