Surge in Violence and Institutional Bias Defined 2025 for India’s Muslims

Surge in Violence and Institutional Bias Defined 2025 for India’s Muslims
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According to an IQNA report released on December 28, 2025, Indian Muslims faced a year defined less by isolated crises than by the consolidation of long-standing patterns of Islamophobia, collective punishment, and unequal application of the law. The report notes that incidents of discrimination and violence became predictable, often unfolding with limited public outrage or institutional accountability.

One of the most visible developments highlighted was the continued use of bulldozer demolitions, officially justified as actions against “illegal constructions.” IQNA reported that such demolitions were frequently carried out following communal tensions and disproportionately affected Muslim homes and businesses. Although courts intervened in some cases, reiterating the need for due process, the practice continued in several regions.

The report also pointed to the growing normalization of hate speech in public discourse. Language portraying Muslims as security threats or demographic dangers increasingly appeared in political campaigns, religious rhetoric, and media debates. IQNA said the lack of consistent consequences for such speech contributed to a climate of impunity.

Violence on the ground, including lynchings and mob attacks, persisted through 2025, the report said, often accompanied by slow investigations and uneven accountability. IQNA also criticized sections of the media for amplifying polarizing narratives and diverting attention from broader economic and governance challenges.

Institutional responses were another area of concern. The report said policing, administrative actions, and the use of national security laws were perceived as selective, fostering deep mistrust among Muslim communities.

Despite these pressures, IQNA noted continued resilience among Indian Muslims, who pursued legal challenges, community relief efforts, and independent reporting. The agency concluded that 2025 should be seen as a warning about the long-term impact of normalizing discrimination within a democratic system.