Issue Brief on “Rising Tide of Exclusionary Politics: Violence against Muslims in India”

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According to Pew Research Survey, India is home to more than two hundred million Muslims,[1] making it predominantly the largest minority group in the country. For years, India has celebrated its diversity and thriving pluralistic society. However, a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed deep concern over the state of minorities in the country. The report states, “attacks continued against minorities, especially Muslims, even as authorities failed to take action against BJP leaders who vilified Muslims and BJP supporters who engaged in violence.” [2] The report came a few days before 23rd February 2021, marking the first anniversary of the New Delhi Clashes. The clashes were one of the worst incidents of communal violence faced by the city over a decade. They culminated in the death of 53 people including 40 Muslims[3] in the aftermath of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. Ever since then, the situation for minorities, especially Muslims in India has only escalated under the BJP regime.

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