Rising Tensions: Continued Struggles for Muslims in India

Following recent national elections, Muslims in India express concerns that safety for their community remains precarious. A series of violent incidents, including the brutal beating of 35-year-old Mohammad Fareed, highlight ongoing anti-Muslim sentiment.

A video report from Al Jazeera shows a mob attacking Fareed, accusing him of attempting to rob a woman. His family claims he was fleeing from a street dog, asserting the accusations mask a hate crime. Witnesses reported he was interrogated about his faith before being beaten for nearly an hour with iron rods, underscoring that his Muslim identity was the sole reason for the violence.

Despite the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) losing its outright majority, experts warn that bigotry may persist. The BJP denies fostering hate for political gain, but skepticism remains high. Other incidents, such as threats against an elderly man accused of carrying beef and the shooting of a Hindu teen mistaken for Muslim, further illustrate the climate of fear.

Activists stress that genuine change requires a political shift toward moderation and inclusivity to end these cycles of violence.