Muslim Groups Raise Alarm Over Hate Crimes, Deportations and Communal Tensions in India
Muslim Groups Raise Alarm Over Hate Crimes, Deportations and Communal Tensions in India
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Muslim organizations and civil society groups in India have announced plans to form a task force to support victims of hate crimes, amid growing concern over communal incidents and government actions affecting Muslim communities.
The move follows reports from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, where members of the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, described as a Vishva Hindu Parishad-affiliated group, allegedly paraded and humiliated two Muslim men through Sanjauli market on June 6. The action was reportedly framed as a response to a “love jihad” allegation linked to a separate POCSO case against a man named Ubaid. Police were cited as saying the two men publicly targeted were not named in the original complaint.
Reports said two Samiti leaders were later arrested, prompting supporters to block the Sanjauli-Shimla road on June 7 and demand their release. Authorities warned against spreading misinformation.
In Maharashtra, Muslim legislators, former judges, lawyers, activists and religious scholars met in Mumbai under the Federation of Maharashtra Muslims. Participants said the proposed task force would provide immediate legal and social assistance to hate-crime victims, counter hate speech, raise awareness and defend minority rights. The meeting also discussed the state’s anti-conversion law, the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the need for a long-term community action plan.
The developments come as a separate crackdown in West Bengal has raised fears among Muslim migrants and sections of Indian Muslims. According to reports, authorities have moved to identify, detain and deport undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, with holding centres set up across districts. Bangladesh has urged India to follow established verification procedures, while rights groups warned that detainees must receive legal protection to prevent wrongful expulsions.
