Religious and Social Tensions Escalate Across India
Recent incidents in India have highlighted ongoing religious and social tensions affecting Muslim communities, according to articles by Muslim Mirror and Clarion India.
In Gujarat, the Gujarat High Court has declined to halt the partial demolition of the 400-year-old Mancha Masjid in Ahmedabad. The court ruled that the demolition, part of a road-widening project, serves public interest, despite objections from the mosque’s trustees and local residents concerned about the loss of heritage.
In Uttar Pradesh, a pregnant Muslim woman was allegedly denied medical treatment at a government hospital in Jaunpur. The woman claimed that a doctor refused to attend to her due to her religion, leading to public outrage and calls for accountability from health authorities.
In Uttarakhand, members of Hindutva organizations targeted Muslim barbers operating unisex salons in Rishikesh, accusing them of promoting “immoral activities.” The incidents have raised concerns about religious intolerance and the impact on Muslim-owned businesses.
In Karnataka, a Muslim teacher was allegedly subjected to Islamophobic abuse and expelled from a village during a socio-economic survey. The teacher reported being harassed and forced to leave the area, prompting calls for action from educational and human rights organizations.
In Bihar, the BJP has demanded face verification of a burqa-wearing Muslim woman during the state elections. The demand has sparked debates about voter privacy and religious profiling.
In Uttar Pradesh, authorities bulldozed the properties of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, a prominent cleric, following an “I Love Muhammad” march. The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, with allegations of political motivations behind the demolition.
These events underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim communities in India, prompting calls for greater protection of religious freedoms and cultural heritage.
