India: Anti-Muslim Sentiment Escalates with Violence and Discriminatory Bans

Tensions are flaring in India as violence and discriminatory practices targeting Muslims intensify, according to articles published on Clarion and Muslim Mirror. In West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, 12 more arrests were made following violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, bringing the total to 150. The protests, which resulted in three deaths and injuries to 18 policemen, prompted authorities to enforce prohibitory orders and suspend internet services.

Meanwhile, a wave of hate speech and anti-Muslim campaigns, seemingly encouraged by right-wing Hindu leaders, is causing alarm. Recent incidents include demands to ban Muslims from public parks and women’s beauty parlors in Uttar Pradesh. During a Ram Navami celebration in Bareilly, Muslim youths were chased from a park for allegedly disturbing Hindu women. In Mathura-Vrindavan, a religious leader demanded a ban on Muslim men working in beauty parlors, falsely claiming they “brainwash” Hindu women.

These actions are framed as “protection” of Hindu women and culture, echoing historical tactics used by supremacist groups. Muslim voices are pushing back, denouncing the “love jihad” narrative as a tool to criminalize Muslim men. Activists report increasing economic and social exclusion, with Muslim workers facing boycotts. Critics decry the silence from the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, accusing it of encouraging hate speech. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International India, have called for government intervention to prevent further escalation.