CHALLENGES OF HINDUTVA IDEOLOGY: RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM AND REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS

Syeda Duaa Naqvi

The rise of the Hindutva ideology in India, particularly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, has led to significant concerns regarding religious tolerance and the rights of minority communities. Hindutva promotes Hindu nationalism, elevating Hindu culture and potentially marginalizing other religious groups. The government has implemented policies targeting religious conversion, interfaith relationships, hijab-wearing, and cow slaughter, disproportionately affecting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Adivasis. Adding to these worries are recent allegations of the Modi government engaging in false flag operations and anti-Pakistan propaganda, exemplified by the swift blame on Pakistan for a recent terrorist attack on an Indian military convoy in Saran Kot, despite the incident occurring within Indian Territory. The use of fake social media accounts to accuse Pakistan without concrete evidence, adversely affecting diplomatic relations and stability in South Asian geopolitics

The Hindutva ideology’s influence in India has marked a departure from the country’s long-standing commitment to secularism, with adverse consequences for minority communities, specifically Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and those residing in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This ideological shift has resulted in a decline in religious tolerance and the diminished protection of minority rights. Disturbing incidents of discrimination, violence, and social marginalization against religious minorities have been observed, including hate crimes, targeted attacks on places of worship, and restrictions on religious practices. For instance, acts of destruction and vandalism targeting mosques and churches have persisted, with reports of demolished homes, attacked Catholic centers, and looted Christian residences. Additionally, the demolition of madrasas, following calls for their eradication, has further contributed to an atmosphere of intimidation, fear, and violence endured by religious minorities in India. These distressing conditions signify a pressing concern for the well- being and rights of marginalized communities within the country.

 The Hindutva ideology in India, influenced by authoritarian characteristics, raises concerns about the erosion of democratic values, human rights, and pluralism. Its resemblance to fascist regimes highlights challenges to inclusivity and democratic governance, impacting social fabric and religious harmony, both domestically and internationally. Hence, India has proven to be detrimental towards other minority communities.

Throughout history, religious minority groups in India, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, have endured a range of subjugation and discrimination at the hands of both the Indian government and the dominant Hindu community. Most prominent one, in 1961, India intervened in Goa, which was under Portuguese rule, to restore Indian sovereignty and protect the lives and interests of its citizens. The Indian army took action after Portuguese forces fired upon Indian fishing boats, resulting in the death of a fisherman. This intervention by India was aimed at asserting its authority and bringing an end to the Portuguese rule in Goa. Similarly, The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019, which grants citizenship to non- Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, but excludes Muslims. The act was seen as a discriminatory and unconstitutional move by the BJP- led government, which has a Hindu nationalist agenda.

In recent times, the practices emanating from India have evoked global concern, transcending its territorial boundaries. Alarming manifestations targeting religious minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, have thrust into prominence the potential perils associated with the ideological underpinnings of Hindu nationalism. For instance, The Gujarat riots of 2002 witnessed a surge of communal violence, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, predominantly Muslims, triggered by the burning of a train carrying Hindu pilgrims. Similarly, in 1984, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, anti-Sikh riots erupted, leading to the widespread massacre of Sikhs and the destruction of their properties. Reports of attacks on churches and Christian communities between 2015 and 2019 highlight a concerning trend of religious intolerance, encompassing physical assaults, vandalism, and the desecration of religious structures. Furthermore, the rise of cow vigilantism has engendered violence targeting Muslims and Dalits involved in the cattle trade, leading to instances of mob lynching’s and other forms of brutality.

Another prominent example outside India in recent times that has brought attention to the dangers associated with the Hindutva ideology is the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Nijjar, a leader in the Khalistan movement

advocating for an independent Sikh state, was accused of terrorism by the Indian government. Tragically, on June 18, 2023, he was shot and fatally wounded outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. This event not only strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada but also highlighted concerns regarding the Hindutva ideology, which is known for its promotion of Hindu supremacy and its contribution to intolerance, violence, and discrimination against minority religions, both within India and beyond.

In a nutshell, India’s religious freedom is under scrutiny as the Hindutva ideology fuels religious extremism. This has been exemplified through instances of exporting terrorism to other countries. Such as, India has been involved in interfering with the internal affairs of neighboring nations like Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. In Nepal, India’s involvement has sparked tensions due to alleged interference in their political processes. In Myanmar, reports suggest that Indian insurgents find refuge and support across the border, exacerbating the conflict in the region. Similarly, India has been implicated in meddling in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, particularly during the Tamil separatist movement. Moreover, India’s strained relationship with Pakistan has witnessed accusations of sponsoring proxy wars and supporting militant groups. These examples highlight the concerning implications of India’s actions on regional stability and religious freedom.