Rising Attacks on Minorities Expose Worsening Situation in India: Reports

New Delhi: India, which officially claims to be a secular country, is witnessing a growing pattern of violence and discrimination against religious minorities, particularly Muslims, according to multiple Indian media reports.

Under the dominance of the Hindutva ideology, incidents of harassment, violence, and discrimination against minorities have reportedly become routine. Critics say policies and actions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government have made life increasingly difficult for Muslims across the country.

Media Reports Highlight Abuse

According to Hindustan Times, a recent incident in Bareilly exposed the troubling situation. Hindu extremist group Bajrang Dal members attacked a café during a private event. Muslim youth were assaulted, and property was damaged.

Despite the violence, police reportedly registered cases against two Muslim youths, fined them, and failed to take action against the attackers. Observers say this reflects state protection of extremist groups rather than justice for victims.

Economic and Religious Pressure

Reports suggest that minorities are not only restricted in practicing religious rituals but also face growing difficulties in running businesses and earning livelihoods.

Violence Against Kashmiri Muslims

In Himachal Pradesh, attacks on Kashmiri Muslim traders have increased sharply. According to Free Press Kashmir, Kashmiri vendors are being threatened and forced to shut down businesses.

One such victim, Jahangir Ahmed, a Kashmiri Muslim who has sold shawls in the region for over 15 years, was severely injured in an attack by Hindu extremists. This was reported as the 16th such incident in 2025 in Himachal Pradesh alone.

Victims say they are being told to leave the state, making both mainland India and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir increasingly unsafe for them.

Political Reaction

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack on the Kashmiri trader. She demanded strict legal action against those responsible and called for protection of minority communities.

Growing Concern

Experts say these incidents are not isolated cases but part of a broader pattern of systematic discrimination and violence against minorities. They argue that the Hindutva-driven agenda has resulted in shrinking civic space, fear, and insecurity for Muslims across India.

Human rights observers warn that unless such actions are addressed, India’s democratic and secular foundations will continue to erode.