In brief
In the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Kashmir, the Indian government has intensified actions against Muslims, leading to widespread fears among the community and accusations of exploitation by right-wing nationalists.
Widespread detentions and demolitions of property targeting Muslims in India have raised alarms regarding a potential surge in anti-Muslim sentiment, following a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir. The tragic incident, which resulted in the death of 26 individuals, primarily Hindu tourists, has fueled public anger and repercussions against the Muslim community.Authorities have attributed the attack to Pakistan, a claim denied by the neighboring country, while India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised military responses. In tandem with these heightened military tensions, targeted actions against Muslims, framed by state officials as efforts to remove illegal migrants, have spiked.In regions governed by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, local administrations have launched campaigns aimed at individuals labeled as “illegal Bangladeshis” or Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, which effectively targets the broader Muslim migrant population. The recent crackdown has led to the arrest of hundreds, further exacerbating fears among India’s Muslim minority, who worry that their status and safety are under threat in an increasingly tense environment.
