New Delhi, India – In a disturbing escalation of religious intolerance, Indian authorities have launched a systematic crackdown on Muslims expressing their devotion to Prophet Muhammad, culminating in widespread arrests and the destruction of homes. This latest round of oppression, occurring in states ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reveals the alarming extent to which the state is willing to go in stifling dissent and marginalizing religious minorities.
The trigger for this state-sanctioned persecution? The simple declaration of love for the Prophet – “I Love Muhammad.” This phrase, displayed on posters, t-shirts, and social media, has become a flashpoint for police action, with authorities deeming such expressions a threat to “public order.” As of now, at least 22 cases have been filed against over 2,500 Muslims, leading to the arrest of at least 40 individuals across various states.
The events began on September 4, during the celebration of Eid al-Milad al-Nabi in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. An illuminated board proclaiming “I Love Muhammad” was erected, inspired by the iconic “I Love New York” signage. It was met with hostility from local Hindus, who claimed it violated local laws regarding public religious displays. In a shocking turn, the police responded not just with complaints but with serious charges against the demonstrators, including promoting enmity between religious groups, which can lead to penalties of up to five years in prison.
This incident sparked outrage across the Muslim community, leading to protests in states like Telangana, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. In Bareilly, a protest against the Kanpur arrests erupted into violence, prompting police to crack down further, arresting 75 individuals, including local imam Tauqeer Raza. In a grotesque display of power, authorities bulldozed buildings belonging to those accused, disregarding the Supreme Court’s warnings against such extra-judicial actions.
India has witnessed a troubling pattern of homes being demolished without notice or due process, often targeting Muslim communities. Despite judicial mandates requiring prior notification before demolitions, state authorities seem emboldened to bypass these legal protections, perpetuating a cycle of injustice and fear.
The legal reasoning behind these arrests is tenuous at best. While India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and expression, these rights are increasingly being undermined. Authorities are exploiting vague legal provisions to stifle any dissenting voices, arresting individuals for merely expressing their faith or engaging in peaceful protests. The targeting of “I Love Muhammad” expressions reveals a broader agenda to criminalize the very essence of Muslim identity in India.
Nadeem Khan, the national coordinator of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), argues that the government is deliberately manipulating legal frameworks to target Muslims. He points out that there is no specific law banning the expression of love for Muhammad, questioning the double standards at play when similar expressions of Hindu devotion are commonplace and celebrated.
Since Modi assumed power in 2014, the atmosphere for religious minorities has become increasingly hostile. Hate speech incidents have surged, particularly in BJP-governed states, with documented cases rising sharply. This is not merely an isolated incident but part of a systematic effort to marginalize Muslims and suppress their rights.
Political analyst Asim Ali emphasizes that there exists a well-oiled machinery of hate in India, one that capitalizes on local disputes and amplifies them to national proportions. The BJP’s rhetoric has transformed expressions of religious identity into potential incitements of violence, creating an environment where Muslims live under the constant threat of persecution.
The recent “I Love Muhammad” controversy is not just about a slogan; it represents an existential struggle for young Muslims who increasingly feel the weight of systemic oppression. As they witness their peers facing arrest and intimidation for innocuous expressions of faith, frustration is brewing. Young Muslims, particularly, are grappling with a harsh reality where their cultural identity is constantly under siege.
The implications of this crackdown extend far beyond the immediate arrests. It risks further alienating Muslim youth, who are already caught in a climate of suspicion and fear. As they see their rights eroded and their identities criminalized, the potential for radicalization increases, creating a vicious cycle of disengagement and disenchantment.
The state’s actions are not merely a violation of individual rights but a direct affront to the principles of equality and justice. Aakar Patel, chair of Amnesty International India’s board, starkly states that targeting peaceful expressions like “I Love Muhammad” not only fails to meet legal thresholds for criminalization but also undermines the very fabric of democratic society.
Public order should not serve as a pretext for suppressing religious identity or expression; rather, it should compel the state to safeguard the rights of all citizens equally. The government’s responsibility is to uphold constitutional and international commitments, a duty that cannot be disregarded without dire consequences for society as a whole.
India stands at a crossroads, grappling with the repercussions of its choice to sideline human rights in favor of religious nationalism. The message is clear: the struggle for justice, equality, and human rights continues, and it demands our unwavering attention and action. The voices of the oppressed must rise above the din of hate, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are heard.
This article highlights the importance of ON MUSLIM EXPRESSION.
