Muslims Molested Country-Wide During Holi: Is India Truly Secular?

India’s Holi celebrations, known for their vibrant colours and joyous festivities, turned nightmarish for several Muslim families across the country this year. Reports of harassment, violence and even physical assault have surfaced, raising alarming questions about Indiaโ€™s commitment to secularism.

Targeted Attacks During Holi

In Uttar Pradeshโ€™s Bijnor district, a Muslim family was targeted by a mob during Holi festivities. Dilshad, his sister Sofia, and their mother were returning from a doctorโ€™s visit when a group of men blocked their way, doused them with water and forcibly applied colours. Despite their protests, the harassment continued, accompanied by religious slogans. This wasnโ€™t an isolated incident. Two burqa-clad Muslim women and another man attending a funeral were similarly attacked.

The stateโ€™s response has been inadequate. While some arrests were made, others, including those involved in assaulting a local journalist trying to intervene, went unpunished. Itโ€™s clear that law enforcement is struggling to address communal violence during a festival meant to celebrate harmony.

Violence Against Muslims in Gujarat

Similar incidents were reported in Gujarat, where auto-rickshaw driver Nawab Sultan was brutally assaulted by a mob after dropping off a passenger. His vehicle was set on fire while attackers hurled Islamophobic slurs at him. Though a police report was filed, the authoritiesโ€™ apparent reluctance to charge the perpetrators with serious offenses highlights systemic bias.

Additionally, in cities like Aligarh and Sambhal, mosques were covered with tarpaulin sheets to prevent conflicts, a preventative measure that underscores the ever-present tension Muslims face during Holi.

The Bigger Picture

The repeated targeting of Muslims during Holi raises fundamental questions about Indiaโ€™s secular fabric. While Holi is intended to promote unity and joy, its misuse to harass and victimise minority groups is a blatant violation of Indiaโ€™s constitutional principles.

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India’s claim to be a secular state cannot be credible if its festivals are allowed to become tools of oppression. To truly uphold secularism, there must be accountability for such acts of violence, and stronger safeguards must be put in place to protect all citizens, regardless of their faith.

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Usman Kashmirwala
Your thoughts are your biggest asset in this world and as a content writer, you get a chance to pen down these thoughts and make them eternal. I am Usman Kashmirwala, apart from being a movie maniac, car geek and a secret singer, I am a guy lucky enough to be working in a profession that allows me to showcase my opinions and vision to the world every day and do my little part in making it a better place for all of us.