9 April 2024
In an insightful interview with Abhish K Bose for The Quint, Professor Tanweer Fazal from the University of Hyderabad, a distinguished political sociologist, highlighted the profound changes within India’s Muslim community since the ascent of the Narendra Modi government in 2014. The conversation delved into the stark contrast between the community’s experiences post-2014 and India’s earlier claims of secularism.
Prof. Fazal emphasized that ordinary Indian Muslims have been living in a state of perpetual fear since 2014 due to a process of ‘otherisation’ and increasing violence against them. Citing data from Indiaspend, he noted a significant rise in lynching incidents targeting Muslim men under the BJP government. Additionally, state policies have contributed to dehumanising Muslims, including the enactment of anti-cow slaughter laws that empower cow vigilantes accused of leading violent mobs.
The interview underscored the impact of government actions like the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, which rendered nearly 1.9 million people stateless, predominantly Muslims. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), intended to grant citizenship to those excluded by the NRC, notably excludes Muslims. Prof. Fazal also highlighted the imprisonment of young Muslims under draconian laws merely for protesting against the CAA.
While acknowledging pre-existing socioeconomic challenges faced by Indian Muslims, Prof. Fazal emphasized a notable shift since 2014. The current regime, he argued, has openly abandoned secularism in favor of majoritarian triumphalism, evident in actions like the Prime Minister’s inauguration of the Ram temple.
The interview also explored questions of democracy and representation. Prof. Fazal advocated for mechanisms to ensure the representation of vulnerable groups, including minorities, in legislative bodies. He stressed that such representation must be accompanied by efforts to address deep material deprivations faced by marginalized communities.
On the issue of cow vigilantism and moral policing, Prof. Fazal condemned state endorsement of vigilante groups and emphasized the importance of individual choice and autonomy.
Regarding anxieties about Muslim population growth, Prof. Fazal dismissed them as baseless, citing demographic trends that suggest Muslim fertility rates are declining faster than other communities due to development indices.
Reflecting on the state of policing in India, Prof. Fazal highlighted systemic factors contributing to the underrepresentation of Muslims in the police force, calling for affirmative action to rectify this imbalance.
In conclusion, Prof. Fazal’s insights shed light on the deep-seated transformations within Indian society since 2014, where ethnic democracy and majoritarianism threaten the country’s secular fabric. The interview serves as a compelling commentary on the challenges facing India’s Muslim community amid evolving political and social landscapes.
