Rising Hate Speech and Violence Against Muslims Spark Concern in India

Rising Hate Speech and Violence Against Muslims Spark Concern in India
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India’s Muslim minority, estimated at nearly 200 million people, continues to face mounting challenges amid rising hate speech and violence that rights groups say threaten social harmony. Since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, Muslims have reported discriminatory policies, including restrictions on religious attire in some states, the targeting of mosques and Islamic schools, and political marginalization.

The situation escalated in September 2025 when Karnataka police filed a case against BJP legislator Ravi following inflammatory remarks at a Hindu religious gathering. He warned that Muslims would face violent consequences if they “challenged” Hindus, sparking clashes that led to 22 arrests and further unrest. Rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented multiple abuses, including mosque demolitions and denial of citizenship to millions.

Domestic Muslim organizations, including the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, have pursued legal action against hate speech, while nationwide protests have highlighted growing unease. Internationally, the United Nations expressed deep concern, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned repeated anti-Muslim rhetoric. Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism also strongly denounced Ravi’s comments, warning that unchecked incitement undermines India’s pluralistic identity and urging authorities to protect minority rights and hold instigators accountable.