Chronological List of Hate Incidents Against Muslims in India

For over 4 decades, Muslims have suffered at the hands of right-wing extremists, who have corrupted the secular soul of India, to further their political agendas, or spin hate against the Muslim community. While both Hindus and Muslims coexisted peacefully for decades, extremist aberrations have ruined and wrecked India’s harmonious soul, one that freedom fighters of India believed in, and sacrificed their lives for. This list covers major incidents of hate and violence against Muslims in recent decades and highlights the communal tensions that have persisted in India. Here is a chronological list of key events or incidents involving hate against Muslims in India:

Chronological List of Hate Incidents Against Muslims in India

1992 – Babri Masjid Demolition

• On December 6, 1992, Hindu extremists demolished the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, claiming it was built on the birthplace of Lord Ram. This led to widespread riots across India, resulting in the deaths of thousands, mainly Muslims.

2002 – Gujarat Riots

• Following the Godhra train burning incident on February 27, 2002, communal violence broke out in Gujarat. Over 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in what many consider to be one of the worst episodes of anti-Muslim violence in independent India.

2013 – Muzaffarnagar Riots

• In August-September 2013, communal clashes occurred in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the deaths of around 60 people and the displacement of more than 50,000, most of whom were Muslims.

2015 – Dadri Lynching (Mohammad Akhlaq)

• On September 28, 2015, Mohammad Akhlaq, a Muslim man, was lynched by a mob in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, on suspicion of storing and consuming beef. This incident highlighted the rise of cow vigilante violence.

2017 – Pehlu Khan Lynching

• On April 1, 2017, Pehlu Khan, a Muslim dairy farmer, was lynched by a mob of cow vigilantes in Rajasthan while transporting cattle. His killing sparked outrage and drew attention to the growing trend of cow-related mob violence.

2018 – Asifa Bano Rape and Murder

• In January 2018, an eight-year-old Muslim girl, Asifa Bano, was brutally raped and murdered in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. The crime took on a communal angle when Hindu right-wing groups rallied in support of the accused, causing a national outcry.

2018 – Bulandshahr Violence

• On December 3, 2018, violence erupted in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, after allegations of cow slaughter. A police officer, Subodh Kumar Singh, was killed, and the incident fueled religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims.

2019 – Jharkhand Lynching (Tabrez Ansari)

• In June 2019, Tabrez Ansari, a Muslim man, was beaten by a mob in Jharkhand on suspicion of theft. He was forced to chant Hindu religious slogans and died of his injuries days later, sparking national outrage over mob lynching.

2019 – Delhi Riots

• In February 2020, riots broke out in Delhi in the backdrop of anti-CAA protests. The violence disproportionately affected Muslims, with reports of targeted killings, arson of Muslim properties, and desecration of mosques. Over 50 people, mostly Muslims, were killed.

2021 – Assam Eviction Violence

• On September 23, 2021, during a government-led eviction drive targeting encroachment in Assam’s Darrang district, two Muslims were killed, including one shot by the police. The incident sparked outrage when footage showed a man being brutally assaulted by a cameraman after being shot.

2022 – Karnataka Hijab Ban Controversy

• In early 2022, schools and colleges in Karnataka banned Muslim girls from wearing hijabs, citing a violation of uniform rules. The ban led to widespread protests and sparked a debate over religious freedoms and Islamophobia in educational institutions.

2022 – Haridwar Dharma Sansad Hate Speech

• In December 2021, a religious assembly in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, saw Hindu religious leaders openly calling for violence and genocide against Muslims. The hate speech event shocked the nation and drew criticism for the lack of immediate legal action.

2023 – Nuh Riots (Haryana)

• In July 2023, communal violence erupted in Nuh, Haryana, after clashes during a religious procession. Mosques were attacked, and both Muslims and Hindus were affected by the violence, with several deaths and extensive property damage.

2023 – Manipur Violence

• In May 2023, violence broke out in Manipur between the majority Meitei community and tribal groups, including the Kuki Muslims. While the conflict had ethnic and political dimensions, the minority Muslim population in the region faced attacks and displacement.

To be continued…