India: Curfew imposed in Neemuch due to rising anti-Muslim hate

The Indian city of Neemuch has witnessed a sharp escalation in hatred directed against Muslims by extremist Hindu groups, who use social media to launch their extremist attacks.

According to ‘The Hindu’ newspaper, viewed by Shia Waves Agency, several clashes broke out between Muslims and Hindus after a young Hindu man posted a post on Facebook insulting Muslims and calling for their killing.

The newspaper added that a large number of Muslims in the city took to the streets in widespread protests demanding an end to the insults and attacks against them by Hindu groups.

It pointed out that sectarian violence is not uncommon in Neemuch, a Hindu-majority city that was converted to a secular city just a few years ago, with Muslims making up about a third of the population.

The newspaper also quoted city police chief Santosh Rathore as saying that the clashes had forced the government to impose a curfew indefinitely and prevent people from leaving their homes.