New Delhi: In the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, far-right Hindu groups like Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have intensified their hate rhetoric against Muslims, using anti-terror protests as a cover for spreading communal incitement, reported the Dawat News.
In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, members of these organizations held a protest ostensibly against terrorism, but the event quickly devolved into a display of hate speech targeting Indian Muslims. Under the guise of slogans against Pakistan, inflammatory speeches were delivered, vilifying Muslims and calling for an economic boycott of Muslim-owned businesses.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, drawing concern over the growing normalization of hate speech in public forums. Eyewitnesses reported that Bajrang Dal activists were armed with sharp-edged wooden sticks, commonly used as weapons, as they openly incited communal discord.
According to reports, during the protest, Bajrang Dal activists specifically called on Hindus to avoid visiting Muslim-run establishments, including auto repair shops and barber stalls. This public call for boycott has further heightened communal tensions in the region.
The protest took place in Ghatampur, approximately 40 kilometers from Kanpur, just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the area to inaugurate the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project. The timing and location of the protest have added a layer of political sensitivity to the issue.
In a related development, VHP recently organized an arms training camp in Delhi’s Narela on May 23, where participants were trained in the use of firearms. VHP officials claimed the training was meant for “physical and intellectual development” and denied any legal violations.
Critics, however, argue that such events not only promote a culture of vigilantism but also embolden right-wing elements to act against minority communities with impunity.
