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Nationwide surge in Anti-Muslim violence: September 15-17 sees unprecedented attacks and discrimination

CJP Team    
A detailed look at the events intensifying communal divides, rising islamophobia and state complicity from Jharkhand to Himachal

From September 15-17, 2024, India was engulfed in a wave of communal violence and discrimination that exposed the deepening rifts within its socio-political fabric. These days saw a troubling escalation of anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions, with inflammatory speeches by high-profile leaders, violent clashes, and discriminatory measures targeting Muslims across various states. The environment was marked by a series of disturbing incidents, including state-sanctioned demolitions, exclusionary voter practices, and violent attacks on religious sites.

In Jharkhand, inflammatory rhetoric by Prime Minister Narendra Modi fuelled fears and divisions, while Rajasthan witnessed intense communal violence and retaliatory demolitions. In Maharashtra, exclusionary measures against Muslim voters signalled a disturbing trend of marginalisation. The violence continued on September 16, with attacks on a mosque in Mangaluru and the cancellation of Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations in Chhatarpur due to fears of government crackdowns. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh experienced a surge in Islamophobic protests and violence against Muslim businesses, highlighting a growing trend of religious intolerance and state complicity. This series of events underscores a broader and alarming pattern of communal discord and systemic discrimination against Muslims in India.

September 15, 2024:

September 15, 2024, saw a disturbing escalation of communal targeting across India, with multiple incidents highlighting the growing hostility toward the Muslim community. From inflammatory speeches by Prime Minister Modi in Jharkhand, to violent clashes and bulldozer demolitions in Rajasthan, and exclusionary measures against Muslim voters in Maharashtra, the day was marked by a series of actions that deepened communal divisions. These events, occurring in different parts of the country, reflect a broader pattern of marginalisation and state-sanctioned discrimination against Muslims, further polarising the socio-political landscape.

Incident 1: Communal Rhetoric from Prime Minister Modi

On September 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a campaign speech in the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand, issued a pointed attack against alleged “infiltrators”—a term often used by BJP leaders to refer to Muslims from Bangladesh and Rohingya refugees. He accused them of occupying key positions in panchayats and other local governance structures, specifically naming Bangladeshis and Rohingya Muslims. PM Modi’s speech focused on the claim that these groups were manipulating local tribal populations, particularly by marrying Adivasi women to gain access to land and power. Notably, this claim has been debunked many a times by independent media.

PM Modi also directly accused the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) of supporting these “infiltrators” to build a vote bank, framing the JMM as betraying the interests of the indigenous Adivasi community. He went further on to blaming the Congress party for corrupting the JMM, implying that the opposition’s alleged support for Muslims was a form of “appeasement politics.”

The speech was seen as an effort to stoke communal fears in a region historically inhabited by the Santal Adivasi community, where communal tensions had been less pronounced. BJP leaders in the region have been increasingly using this narrative of “Muslim infiltration” to deepen religious divisions and gather political support ahead of elections, with inflammatory rhetoric and baseless claims adding to the existing tensions.

Incident 2: Jahazpur Clashes and Bulldozer Action

The Jahazpur area in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district saw intense communal violence on September 15, after alleged clashes broke out during a local Hindu religious procession. According to reports, some members of the procession alleged that stones were thrown at them as they passed through a Muslim-majority neighbourhood, though local Muslims claimed that the procession had deliberately provoked the incident by attempting to enter the mosque and raising inflammatory slogans.

In the aftermath, BJP MLA Gopi Chand Meena led a protest demanding immediate action, calling for the arrest of those allegedly involved in the stone-pelting. He specifically advocated for the use of bulldozers to demolish Muslim-owned properties in retaliation. Responding to the pressure, authorities quickly arrested over 20 Muslim residents and began demolishing several shops owned by the Muslim community. Videos of bulldozers razing the shops went viral on social media, along with footage of mobs looting and vandalising Muslim-owned businesses while the police appeared to be complicit.

Further, the local municipality issued a notice to the Jama Masjid committee, demanding documentation of the mosque’s land ownership within 24 hours—an indication that the mosque itself could be a target of demolition. The Jahazpur Nagar Palika issued a notice to the President of the Masjid Committee Muslim Samaj, instructing them to submit documents related to the ownership and construction of the Jama Masjid in Ward 09 within 24 hours. The notice stated, “You are informed that whatever documents there are related to the lease/construction approval of the owner in relation to Jama Masjid should be presented to the municipality within 24 hours.”

This heavy-handed response, combined with the inflammatory speeches made by Meena and other BJP leaders, has heightened communal tensions in the region. Simultaneously, several videos have surfaced on social media showing authorities demolishing shops with bulldozers. Another viral video captured BJP MLA Gopi Chand Meena addressing a crowd and demanding bulldozer action against those allegedly involved in stone-pelting during earlier clashes. Other videos depict mobs looting over 20 shops and roaming the streets armed with sticks, vandalising property and creating chaos in the area. Hindutva groups have continued their protests in front of the mosque, calling for its demolition, despite the mosque committee having already submitted the required land documents.

Multiple media reports have provided that despite the mosque committee submitting the necessary documents, Hindutva groups continue to agitate for its destruction, adding to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for the local Muslim population.

Jameel Khan, the state president of All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), condemned the bulldozer actions, stating, “Those who please their masters by driving bulldozers and those who clap when someone else’s house or shop is demolished should remember that everyone will be held accountable.” AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan echoed this sentiment, saying, “Atrocities on Muslims are growing day by day. How long will Muslims have to tolerate this? Where is the so-called champion of secularism? Why is he silent? Is it because the victims are Muslims? When will the police and administration take action?”

Meanwhile, BJP MP Damodar Agarwal praised the administration for its swift response, emphasising the “anger in the Hindu community.” He noted, “The Hindu community was infuriated over this, but the police took immediate action. Additional force was deployed, and drone footage was used to identify and detain the miscreants. About 12 suspicious individuals were detained by the police. The Chief Minister and Police Administration are closely monitoring the situation from Jaipur.”

Incident 3: “Purifying” the Taj Mahal

On the same day, a Hindu activist attempted to “purify” the Taj Mahal by pouring cow dung and Ganga water on the monument, claiming that it was a Hindu temple. The incident came on the heels of a viral video showing a tourist urinating inside the Taj Mahal premises, which the activist claimed had desecrated the iconic structure. Identified as Gopal Chahar, the convener of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, the activist was stopped by security before he could carry out his plan.

The Taj Mahal has long been a target for Hindutva activists, who argue that it was originally a Hindu temple before being converted into a Muslim mausoleum by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. According to a report by the Hindi newspaper Amar Ujala, Chahar’s attempt to “purify” the monument fits into a broader narrative pushed by right-wing groups who seek to reframe India’s historical monuments as part of a pre-Islamic Hindu heritage. The activist vowed to take the matter to court, signalling that such provocations are likely to continue.

This incident not only represents an attempt to erase the Taj Mahal’s Mughal heritage but also underscores the growing trend of Hindutva forces claiming Muslim religious sites and artifacts as symbols of Hindu identity, fuelling communal discord.

Incident 4: Exclusion of Muslim Voters in Kolhapur

In Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, the Shingnapur Gram Panchayat passed a shocking resolution barring the inclusion of new Muslim voters in its electoral rolls. The resolution, passed on September 5 but widely condemned and protested on September 15, effectively sought to exclude Muslim residents who had recently arrived in the village. The panchayat ordered that any new Muslim names found in the voter registration process should be removed.

Muslim rights groups, including the Muslim Education Society of Kolhapur, condemned the resolution as unconstitutional, arguing that it represented a form of social boycott and a clear violation of Muslim citizens’ fundamental rights. They approached the District Magistrate demanding legal action against the Gram Panchayat members for attempting to disenfranchise Muslims based on their religion. Through the complaint, the group has said that “The resolution is against India’s constitution which grants voting rights to all citizens. A criminal case should be filed against the Sarpanch, panchayat members and Village Development Officers who decided to take away the right to vote on the basis of religion. The panchayat should be suspended.”

Facing intense criticism, the panchayat issued an apology on the same day, claiming that the resolution had been “misrepresented” and was aimed at addressing concerns about two Bangladeshi women who had allegedly entered the village using fake Indian identification. Despite the clarification, the incident has raised serious concerns about the increasing use of local governance mechanisms to marginalise Muslim populations under the guise of addressing “illegal immigration.”

September 16, 2024

Two recent incidents that took place on September 16 have underscored the growing climate of fear and communal tension facing the Muslim community in India. In Mangaluru, Karnataka, pro-Hindu activists associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad were arrested for attacking the Badriya Mosque just before the Eid-e-Milad festival, escalating tensions despite police intervention. Meanwhile, in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, the Muslim community cancelled Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations amidst fears of government retaliation following violent clashes in August. The cancellation came in response to widespread arrests, demolitions of Muslim homes, and the community’s demand for a fair investigation into inflammatory remarks by a Hindu priest, further highlighting the deepening divide and sense of vulnerability.

Incident 1: Arrest for attack on Badriya Mosque in Mangaluru

On September 16, five pro-Hindu activists associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) were arrested for allegedly throwing stones at the Badriya Mosque in Katipalla, located on the outskirts of Mangaluru, Karnataka. The incident took place the night before the Eid-e-Milad festival, around 10:30 pm, when four men on two motorcycles allegedly hurled stones at the mosque, breaking its windows. This attack led to immediate tension, with local residents gathering around the mosque. The swift deployment of police forces helped contain the situation, and Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal confirmed that the area remained peaceful, although investigations continued.

The arrested individuals were identified as Bharat Shetty (26), Chennappa Shivananad Chalavadi (19), Nitin Hadap (22), Sujit Shetty (23), and Anappa alias Manu (24). Additionally, a separate case was filed against VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell and Bajrang Dal’s Puneeth Attavar, following an exchange of provocative statements on social media between two groups, which contributed to the gathering of a large crowd in the area.

According to reports, a voice message from Mohammed Sharief, former president of Bantwal Town Municipal Council, was circulated, allegedly challenging Sharan Pumpwell to “face them during the Eid-e-Milad procession.” Police Commissioner Agarwal warned that those responsible for posting inflammatory content on social media would face legal consequences, emphasising that the police were closely monitoring platforms to prevent further unrest. Four separate cases have been registered in connection with the incidents, two against Mohammed Sharief and Mohammad Hasainar, a councillor in Bantwal Town, and two against Sharan Pumpwell and Puneeth Attavar.

In the backdrop of the ongoing Eid-e-Milad celebrations, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to Mangaluru to prevent any escalation of violence. Superintendent of Police Yatish N stated that adequate security arrangements had been implemented across the district to maintain peace. A 48-hour liquor ban was also imposed to help curb potential disturbances. Tensions remained high in the area following an earlier incident in Mandya district, where a Bhagwan Ganesha procession led to violent clashes, shop vandalism, and vehicle burnings.

Local leaders, including Karnataka Congress minister MC Sudhakar, commented on the political undercurrents driving communal tensions in Mangaluru, noting, “This unrest is not surprising. Mangaluru has always been a hot spot for communal politics.”

Incident 2: Fear and Cancellation of Eid Miladun Nabi Celebrations in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, Muslims decided to cancel Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations this year, citing fears of government retaliation following violent clashes in August with the police. The Eid Miladun Nabi, a significant festival marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, was overshadowed by the community’s apprehension of further crackdowns. The tensions stemmed from the August 21, 2024 protests against inflammatory remarks made by Hindu priest Ramgiri Maharaj. The protest allegedly led to violent clashes between the Muslim community and police, resulting in the arrest of over two dozen people and the booking of 150 others. Subsequently, the authorities demolished Muslim homes, including the bungalow of Congress leader Haji Shahzad Ali, creating a widespread atmosphere of fear.

The crackdown on the Muslim community in Chhatarpur had also led to the naming of 46 individuals in the FIR, while 150 remained unidentified. Additionally, six Muslim residents—Nazim Chaudhry, Javed, Arman Rain, Murli, Rafat Khan, and Yusuf—were externed by the administration. The parading of the arrested individuals, with their hands tied and forced to chant slogans in praise of the police, drew widespread condemnation from political leaders, activists, and journalists. Many criticised the disproportionate targeting of Muslims and called for a fair and transparent investigation into the events leading up to and following the August clashes.

In view of this, a local religious leader had announced the decision not to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi, stating, “All religious leaders have fled their homes. Some were beaten and jailed. They are innocent. Given these conditions, we have decided not to take out the procession for Eid Miladun Nabi.” He further emphasised that the community would refrain from celebrating any festival with fanfare until those unjustly arrested were released and the charges against the 150 individuals were dropped. The community also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the events of August 21 and the arrest of Maharaj, who, despite multiple FIRs, remained free.

In a similar move, other mosques across Chhatarpur city echoed the decision not to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi. Community leaders decried the fact that while those accused of violence against Muslims were arrested and their homes demolished, Maharaj had faced no legal consequences for his incitement.

September 11-17, 2024

In recent weeks, Himachal Pradesh has been gripped by a disturbing wave of communal violence, primarily targeting the Muslim community. What began as protests over an allegedly illegal mosque in Shimla has spiralled into widespread attacks on Muslim businesses, calls for economic boycotts, and open hostility. The state, typically known for its serene landscapes, now finds itself embroiled in escalating Islamophobic tensions fuelled by far-right Hindutva groups.

Disturbing events followed the massive protests in Shimla’s Sanjauli area, which initially centred around the alleged illegal mosque but quickly escalated into broader Islamophobic campaigns across the state. Hindutva groups, seizing on the tensions, began organising similar protests in towns like Mandi and Palampur, demanding more demolitions of mosques and urging the government to impose stricter regulations on the Muslim community. Protesters even urged locals to refrain from renting out shops or houses to Muslims, contributing to the economic and social marginalisation of the community.

 Incident: Escalating Islamophobic Protests and Violence in Himachal Pradesh

The unrest first erupted in Himachal Pradesh’s summer capital, Shimla, on September 11, 2024, when protests over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area turned violent. Right-wing Hindu groups, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members and far-right organisations, gathered in large numbers to oppose the mosque, which they claimed had four unauthorised floors and had been standing for over a decade without action from local authorities.

During the demonstration, a mob allegedly clashed with the police, who had set up barricades near the mosque to control the crowd. Protesters broke through the second barricade, prompting law enforcement to use water cannons and resort to a lathi-charge to disperse them. Amid the chaos, agitated protesters pelted stones at the police, injuring six officers, including a female officer who sustained serious vertebrae fractures. Shimla police later released CCTV footage showing the mob violently throwing stones during the confrontation.

In response, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against eight individuals linked to the violence. Shimla’s district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting gatherings of more than five people and banning the carrying of lethal weapons. The authorities vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly, while tension continued to simmer in the area.

The unrest in Shimla acted as a catalyst, spreading Islamophobic sentiment across other parts of Himachal Pradesh. Protests soon erupted in Mandi district, where demonstrators, emboldened by the Shimla incident, voiced strong opposition to the Muslim community and the construction of mosques. At rallies organized by far-right Hindu groups, inflammatory slogans were chanted, with protesters accusing Muslims of demographic threats and linking the mosque to thefts and crime in the area.

As the protests gained momentum, the Muslim welfare committee in Shimla attempted to de-escalate the situation by urging the municipal commissioner to seal the unauthorised portion of the mosque. The committee, which included the mosque’s Imam and members of the Waqf board, even offered to demolish the illegal construction if ordered by the court. Despite these conciliatory efforts, Hindu organisations continued to demand more stringent regulations on mosque construction and called for the demolition of more mosques across the state. A legal case regarding the unauthorised floors of the mosque is currently being heard in the municipal court, with the next hearing scheduled for October 5, 2024.

It is crucial to highlight here that the Islamophobic fervour soon reached Palampur, where protests on September 15, 2024 turned violent. Hindutva groups and local residents took to the streets, vandalising shops owned by Muslim traders and calling for an economic boycott against the Muslim community. During a protest march from Gandhi Maidan to the New Bus Stand, demonstrators allegedly destroyed shop billboards, attacked vendors’ carts, and chanted provocative slogans such as “Kathue Mulle Nahi Chalenge” (Muslims will not be tolerated), “Mulle Thulle Nahi Chalenge” (Muslims won’t be allowed to exist), and “Goli Maaro Saalo Ko, Mulle ke Dalalo Ko” (Shoot them all, the traitors Muslims).

Videos circulating on social media showed the mob violently smashing property, with one clip capturing a crowd attacking the shutter of a closed shop. The protesters also shouted derogatory remarks, referring to Muslims as “Mullahs” while inciting communal hatred. Hindutva leaders at the protest urged local residents not to engage in any form of business with Muslims and called for the removal of the mosque from the town.

The violence against Muslims in Himachal Pradesh reached a new level of brutality on September 17, when a video surfaced showing an elderly Muslim shopkeeper being violently attacked by an alleged Hindutva mob in Solan. The footage, which quickly went viral, depicted the elderly man crying and pleading for mercy with folded hands as the mob aggressively beat him. Spectators in the crowd were seen cheering and whistling, while one individual attempted to shield the man from further assault.

This attack, along with the destruction of Muslim-owned businesses, highlights the growing pattern of hostility toward Muslims in the region. Despite the Muslim community’s efforts to seek justice and demonstrate goodwill—such as offering to demolish unauthorised mosque structures—the rising tide of Islamophobic sentiment has continued to fuel violence, intimidation, and economic boycotts against them.

The ongoing violence has drawn criticism from various quarters, with local politicians, activists, and journalists condemning the state’s handling of the situation. Journalist Zakir Ali Tyagi, among others, took to social media to slam Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukku for failing to curb the rising hate campaigns. Tyagi accused the Congress-led state government of bowing to pressure from Hindutva groups, allowing the economic boycotts and vandalism of Muslim businesses to go unchecked.

As Islamophobic campaigns spread from town to town, the unrest in Himachal Pradesh reflects a troubling reality: that the marginalisation and targeting of Muslims, driven by far-right rhetoric, is becoming alarmingly common. While protests over alleged illegal mosque constructions may have sparked the initial violence, the underlying communal animosity continues to fuel a broader campaign against Muslims in the state.

The situation in Himachal Pradesh is part of a larger, nationwide trend of rising intolerance and communal tensions, where Muslim communities increasingly find themselves at the receiving end of hate campaigns and violent actions. As the protests spread and more incidents of violence surface, the call for urgent intervention and a fair, unbiased approach to justice becomes louder. Without decisive action from the state, this cycle of violence is likely to continue, deepening the divide between communities and fostering an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for the Muslim population.

Need for reaffirming commitment to justice and equality amid rising communal tensions

As communal tensions escalate and the very fabric of Indian society faces unprecedented strain, the necessity for justice and intervention becomes increasingly urgent. The growing frequency and intensity of these incidents highlight a critical need for both state and civil society to adopt a more proactive and unbiased stance in addressing these issues. A robust and impartial response is essential to not only alleviate the immediate suffering of affected communities but also to restore faith in the rule of law. Ensuring that all citizens—regardless of their religion or background—can live without fear or discrimination is fundamental to preserving the nation’s democratic principles. By recommitting to the core values enshrined in the Constitution of India and actively safeguarding the rights of minorities, India can strive to heal the deepening divides and reaffirm its dedication to pluralism and equality. Only through such concerted efforts can the nation hope to overcome the current crisis and forge a future where justice and harmony prevail.

 

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