India's citizens invisible in their own country

 

As India's political landscape has shifted in recent years, so too have the experiences of its Muslim population. Once a vibrant and integral part of the country's social fabric, Muslims now find themselves navigating a landscape fraught with tension, discrimination, and uncertainty.

The story of a nine-year-old Muslim boy returning home from school in Agra, his face flushed with embarrassment and anger after being called a "Pakistani terrorist" by his classmates, encapsulates the profound changes that have taken place. His mother, Reema Ahmad, vividly recalls the incident, which ultimately led her to withdraw him from school and opt for homeschooling. This decision was not merely a reaction to a single incident but a reflection of the broader challenges faced by Muslims in India today.

Since the ascent of Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in 2014, India's Muslim minority, numbering over 200 million, has grappled with escalating tensions and discrimination. Vigilante mobs have targeted Muslim-owned businesses, mosques have faced legal challenges, and online hate speech has proliferated. Accusations of "love jihad" and other forms of Islamophobia have further exacerbated the situation, with incidents disproportionately concentrated in states governed by the BJP.

Ziya Us Salam, author of "Being Muslim in Hindu India," succinctly captures the prevailing sentiment: Muslims have become "second-class citizens, an invisible minority in their own country." Despite denials from the BJP and Prime Minister Modi himself, the reality on the ground tells a different story—one of increasing marginalization and vulnerability.

Reema Ahmad's experience with a school WhatsApp group underscores the deepening divisions within Indian society. Her advocacy for peace and non-violence was met with accusations of being "anti-national," highlighting the growing intolerance towards dissenting voices and alternative perspectives. This shift in discourse reflects broader societal trends, where appeals for harmony are misconstrued as signs of disloyalty or subversion.

The erosion of social cohesion is palpable in everyday interactions as well. Conversations among children in Agra reveal a pervasive fear and suspicion towards their Muslim peers, reflecting the normalization of prejudice and stereotypes. Even seemingly innocuous activities, such as carrying a musical instrument on a train, can elicit unwarranted scrutiny and suspicion, as Kaleem Ahmed Qureshi discovered.

Siraj Qureshi, a local journalist and interfaith organizer, laments the deteriorating relations between Hindus and Muslims, citing incidents of arbitrary arrests and harassment. The specter of religious violence looms large, prompting many Muslims to adopt precautionary measures such as avoiding non-vegetarian food in public spaces or refraining from disclosing their religious identity.

Despite assertions to the contrary by BJP spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam, who attributes rising Islamophobia to sensationalist media coverage, the underlying tensions persist. While the government may disavow any deliberate targeting of Muslims, the absence of Muslim representation in positions of power and the prevalence of discriminatory rhetoric belie these claims.

Arzoo Parveen's pursuit of education against familial opposition exemplifies the resilience and determination of many young Muslims striving for a better future. Despite facing societal barriers and entrenched prejudice, individuals like Arzoo refuse to be deterred, viewing education as a pathway to empowerment and social mobility.

Mohammed Shakir's journey to Patna to pursue educational opportunities underscores the aspirations and struggles of marginalized communities seeking to break free from the cycle of poverty and discrimination. His determination to overcome obstacles and pursue his dreams reflects a broader desire for inclusivity and equality in Indian society.

As India grapples with its identity and future direction, the fate of its Muslim population hangs in the balance. While some cling to hopes of reconciliation and progress, others harbor fears of further marginalization and exclusion. The path forward remains uncertain, marked by competing narratives and visions for the nation's future. Ultimately, the true test of India's democratic ideals lies in its ability to embrace diversity and uphold the rights of all its citizens, regardless of religion or background.