Indian social media has become a dark reflection of the hatred and violence that has plagued the country since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office. The recent events in Manipur, where two women were sexually assaulted and gang-raped by a crowd of men, are just one example of the ethnic violence that has escalated in the region. The roots of this unrest can be traced back to the politics of Hindu supremacy and religious polarization propagated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
India’s diversity is a defining characteristic, with religious, ethnic, caste, regional, and political differences shaping its social fabric. However, under Modi’s leadership, these differences have been exploited for divisive political gain, threatening the unity of the nation. The alarming situation in Manipur is an indicator of what lies ahead for India – a country slowly descending into sectarian conflict.
Extremists and vigilantes now seem to hold more power than the state itself under Modi’s government. Those targeted by mob violence may feel that their rights are no longer guaranteed and that violence is their only means of resistance. Minority communities, particularly Muslims, face regular attacks by right-wing Hindu extremists. Lynchings and calls for genocide have become disturbingly common. In fact, India is now among the top 10 countries at the highest risk of mass killings, according to the Early Warning Project.
In Manipur, the Christian community has borne the brunt of the BJP-led government’s divisive tactics. The Meitei, the majority ethnic group who are predominantly Hindu, have been manipulated into perceiving the Kuki tribes as infiltrators, blaming them for the drug trade, and displacing them from their habitats. The recent violence was triggered by a court ruling in favor of granting the Meitei affirmative action provisions, which upset the tribal communities opposing the decision. The Manipur government’s citizenship verification drive, similar to the one in Assam targeting Muslims, has only exacerbated the unrest.
The Modi government’s rhetoric has emboldened Meitei militias in Manipur, leading to a wave of rape, pillage, and arson. Over 250 churches have been set on fire, and the video showing the sexual assault of two Kuki women highlights the severity of the situation. Despite calling it “shameful,” Modi has largely remained silent on the chaos in Manipur.
The impact of the BJP’s polarizing politics is also felt in India’s heartland. Violence recently erupted near a tech and finance hub outside New Delhi, as Hindu supremacists clashed with Muslims during a religious procession. Mosques were attacked, an imam was killed, and many Muslims fled to safety. Television, cinema, and social media platforms perpetuate Islamophobia, contributing to the radicalization of the Hindu majority. Extremist groups, some with the support of the prime minister, continue to thrive. Muslims face discrimination, arrests for praying, destruction of their livelihoods and businesses, and the demolition of their homes.
Unfortunately, this strategy of exclusion and marginalization is a common tactic employed by modern-day despots. By redefining the boundaries of the polity, they solidify their grip on power, undermining democracy. India’s federal structure, held together by social and political accommodation, is rapidly deteriorating under Modi, leaving little room for peaceful political discourse. Regional political parties view the BJP’s centralizing agenda as an imposition on their distinct cultural identities, further fueling division.
As India’s global importance grows, Western leaders must reassess their engagement with the Modi government. The current political strategy of humiliating and subjugating ethnic and religious minorities jeopardizes India’s potential as an economic powerhouse. The country is at a crossroads, and it is becoming increasingly clear that a future of conflict awaits if these divisive tactics persist.
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