By Sajida A. Zubair
In recent years, India has witnessed a disturbing rise in communal violence and lynching incidents targeted against its Muslim population. These incidents have not only scarred the victims and their families but have also deeply affected the mental well-being of Indians, Muslims in particular.
Since 2014, there has been a noticeable escalation in communal violence and lynching cases across India, particularly targeting Muslims. These incidents often stem from rumours or allegations of cow slaughter, beef consumption, or interfaith relationships, fueled by religious and political polarization. Notable incidents include the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri (2015), Pehlu Khan in Alwar (2017), and Tabrez Ansari in Jharkhand (2019), among others. These acts of violence have left families shattered and communities living in fear. Just within 12 days after the Lok Sabha election results, 4 Muslims were lynched to death, 11 houses demolished, a shop vandalised and looted, many assaulted and arrested.
Columnist Sara Ather said, “The escalation in hate crimes against Muslims post-elections is a clear cute indication of the fact that a dip in electoral popularity can’t reverse engineer the psychological project that has been in action for a whole decade now. Its momentum has suffered no halt whatsoever.”
The pervasive nature of communal violence has instilled a sense of insecurity and mistrust among the general population. Fear of being targeted based on religious or cultural identity has eroded social cohesion. Many individuals report heightened anxiety and stress, affecting their daily lives and interpersonal relationships. The normalization of violence in public discourse has desensitized people to human suffering, leading to a moral crisis in society.
For India’s Muslim population, these incidents have resulted in profound psychological trauma. Constant fear of persecution and discrimination has created a pervasive atmosphere of insecurity. Many Muslims report feelings of marginalization and alienation, as their loyalty to the nation is often questioned.
The psychological impact includes heightened levels of stress, depression, and a loss of faith in the justice system and societal harmony. A senior psychiatrist, who wished to remain anonymous, told Radiance, “The ongoing hatred campaigns and attempts to portray Indian Muslims as ‘anti-nationals’ and outsiders are spreading widespread fear within the community. Daily news reports of lynchings over mere suspicions of eating meat, homes being demolished if a family member is accused of a crime, and law enforcement often seeming to side with the perpetrators are causing many Indian Muslims to worry about their future in the country. Beneath the calm surface, there is a pervasive anxiety.”
The rise in communal violence threatens India’s secular fabric and democratic ethos. Divisive rhetoric and discriminatory actions undermine the country’s multicultural identity and hinder social progress. Trust between communities is eroded, hindering collective efforts for development and peaceful coexistence. The normalization of hate and violence jeopardizes the future of a harmonious, pluralistic society envisioned by India’s founding principles.
Social media platforms have played a dual role in exacerbating communal tensions. While they provide a space for expression and awareness, they have also become breeding grounds for hate speech and misinformation. Young children and adolescents, exposed to vitriolic content online, are particularly vulnerable. Exposure to hate posts and comments can normalize intolerance and perpetuate stereotypes, shaping their worldview and perpetuating cycles of prejudice.
Speaking to Radiance, Humaira Khan, Counselor & Psychotherapist (Psychiatric Social Work) at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, stated, “Lynching incidents, rampant hate speeches, and campaigns have severely impacted the well-being of Muslims in India. These issues have restricted their mobility and access; for example, Muslim women who frequently travelled by train now consider airplanes the only safe option when travelling alone, which is not feasible for most. Housing rights have also been affected, leading to increased ghettoization, which facilitates structural discrimination. This structural discrimination results in poor health outcomes for individuals and the community, potentially leading to a rise in common mental health concerns, exacerbated by restricted access to healthcare services.”
Ms. Khan further explained, “Muslims in the country are constantly worried about their safety, which keeps their nervous system in a perpetual state of alert, adversely affecting sleep, digestion, heart rate, and immunity in both the short and long term. Psychologically, this constant stress undermines self-esteem and self-confidence, often leading individuals to try to become invisible, which is profoundly damaging.
“Moreover, complacency among the majority about increasing hate will likely lead to heightened aggression within their own community, resulting in the exploitation of those with less power, such as children, the elderly, and women. Losing empathy for one group ultimately erodes empathy for oneself.”
The increase in communal violence and lynching incidents against Indian Muslims has had far-reaching implications for the mental well-being of all Indians and the future of the nation. It is imperative for policymakers, civil society, and citizens to actively work toward fostering tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity. Addressing the root causes of communal violence, promoting empathy, and safeguarding minority rights are crucial steps towards healing societal wounds and building a more inclusive India.
Addressing the issue of communal violence and lynching incidents in India requires a comprehensive approach involving legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement. Strict enforcement of existing laws against hate crimes is crucial, coupled with efforts to promote communal harmony through nationwide education programs and interfaith dialogues.
Media responsibility is also a key to preventing the spread of misinformation and sensationalizing communal incidents. Regulation of social media to curb hate speech and support for victims through psychosocial services are essential steps towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Political leadership plays a pivotal role in addressing underlying socioeconomic disparities and promoting policies that uphold equality and justice for all citizens.
Muslim organizations and mosque committees can jointly address the fear among Muslims and hate crimes by empowering communities through educational programs on legal rights and peaceful conflict resolution, while providing counselling services and support groups to help individuals cope with stress and trauma. They can facilitate interfaith dialogues to foster mutual understanding and reduce prejudices, advocate for stronger hate crime laws and inclusive policies, and engage in responsible media representation to counter stereotypes. By creating support networks, offering mental health resources, and advocating for community concerns with authorities, these organizations can foster a sense of security, resilience, and solidarity among Indian Muslims.
As the nation navigates these challenging times, the collective effort to uphold secular values and protect the dignity and rights of every citizen is more crucial than ever for fostering a harmonious and inclusive society.
