Sectarian strife rise in Hyderabad, India

For many years, disagreements over sects and school of thought in Hyderabad remained dormant, but, as recent as last October, these strife surfaced and ever since, a sense of unease has prevailed.

For many years, disagreements over sects and school of thought in Hyderabad remained dormant, but, as recent as last October, these strife surfaced and ever since, a sense of unease has prevailed.

Observers say that video and audio clips, among others, circulated on social media have played a crucial role in resurgence of these disagreements.

It was last October that the Shia community was irked by the presence of Salafi preacher Br Imran at a mosque in Yakutpura. Soon, a large crowd gathered to raise slogans against his presence. 

Others like Mufti Omar Abedeen Qasmi Madani, an Islamic scholar, says that many who post on social media risk taking religious content out of context. He says, “This de-contextualising enables confusion and hatred. Issues in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are different from those Indian Muslims face as political atmosphere in both regions is different.