Important Issues faced by Muslims of India – A Roundup

This list highlights key issues such as the rise of Hindutva politics, discrimination against Muslims, media representation, and incidents of hate crimes.

1. Communal Riots and Tensions

India has witnessed various instances of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims, such as the Gujarat riots (2002) and the Delhi riots (2020). A Muslim journalist should track how these events are covered, their root causes, and their impact on the Muslim community.

2. Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC)

The CAA-NRC debate began in 2019 and sparked massive protests across India. Many Indian Muslims see these laws as discriminatory, fearing the loss of citizenship. Journalists should report on the ongoing legal and societal consequences of these policies.

3. Rise of Hindutva Politics

The growing influence of right-wing Hindu nationalist ideology, promoted by groups like the RSS and BJP, has affected the political landscape. This movement emphasizes India as a Hindu nation, often marginalizing minorities like Muslims. What is even more dangerous is the extremist ideology and desire to expunge Muslims from the country by intimidation, and coercion through excruciating recourses including challenging their citizenship.

4. Media Representation of Muslims

The portrayal of Muslims in Indian media is often skewed, with some sections depicting the community in a negative light, particularly after incidents of terrorism or crime. Examining these trends and countering stereotypes is important for balanced journalism.

5. Lynching and Hate Crimes

Since 2015, India has seen a rise in mob lynching incidents, often involving Muslim victims accused of cow slaughter or beef consumption. Reporting on these incidents, legal outcomes, and the broader trend of vigilantism is vital for exposing human rights violations.

6. Kashmir Conflict and Article 370

The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, has had lasting repercussions. This added fuel to the fire of the region’s ongoing security issues, human rights concerns, which were made worse by the media blackout imposed in many areas.

7. Triple Talaq and Muslim Personal Law

In 2019, the Indian government banned instant Triple Talaq (divorce), which led to significant debate about reforming Muslim Personal Law. All concerns and opposition by the Muslim community opposing this change were structurally silenced.

8. Socioeconomic Conditions of Muslims

Muslims in India face significant socioeconomic challenges, including lower literacy rates, poor access to healthcare, and high poverty levels. These disparities can be filled with suitable government schemes aimed at addressing them.

9. Educational and Employment Disparities

Muslims are underrepresented in higher education and the formal job sector in India. Covering educational policies, scholarships, and affirmative action programs that affect Muslim students and workers is crucial to understanding their challenges and opportunities.

10. Muslim Representation in Politics

Muslim political representation has been on the decline in Indian legislatures. In recent electoral trends, political participation has been reduced as many parties do not choose to field a Muslim candidate, even though the role played by Muslims in shaping India’s democratic landscape is indispensable.

11. Freedom of Speech and Journalistic Freedom

In an increasingly polarized environment, journalists, including Muslim journalists, face threats and challenges to free speech. Those in the opposition live under the looming threat of raids by ED or Income Tax authorities, fearing wrongful indictment as right-wing party puppeteers the play.

12. Impact of Social Media on Hate Speech and Islamophobia

The rise of social media has amplified hate speech, often targeting minorities like Muslims. Online platforms are now being used to spread Islamophobia and there are hardly any steps taken by the government to counter this, including government regulations and platform policies.