In a disturbing display of hate speech, a video released by Hindutva leader and Kali Sena founder Swami Anand Swaroop has drawn widespread condemnation for inciting violence against Muslims in Kashmir. His inflammatory comments, following the Pahalgam terror attack, are being viewed as part of a growing trend of open threats and communal polarisation targeting Indian Muslims, reported the Times of India.
Posted on Facebook, the video captures Swaroop urging the Indian government to “wipe out terrorist sympathizers and Muslims still present in Kashmir,” asserting that “this is the land of Hindus” and that Kashmir must be “Islam-free at all costs.” He invoked figures like Kahyap and Harisingh Shankaracharya to reinforce his narrative that Kashmir inherently belongs to Hindus.
These alarming statements have fueled fears within the Muslim community, especially among Kashmiris living outside the region. Following the video, reports have emerged of Kashmiri students being harassed, physically assaulted, and forced to vacate rented accommodations in several parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh. Online abuse has intensified, with hate campaigns being run by right-wing groups further escalating tensions.
This is not the first time such hate-laced rhetoric has surfaced after a violent incident. However, the growing normalisation of such speeches, without accountability or legal repercussions, has raised serious concerns about the safety of Muslims in India, especially in the politically and communally sensitive region of Kashmir.
Muslim community leaders and civil society activists have strongly condemned Swaroop’s statement, calling for legal action and protection for vulnerable Kashmiri students and families. They have demanded that the government take firm steps to counter hate speech and ensure communal harmony.
Amidst this climate of fear and aggression, calls for unity, justice, and constitutional rights for all citizens—including Kashmiris and Muslims—are growing louder.
