Is India a Hindu nation?

Letter September 03, 2019
Killings of Kashmiris continue in India-occupied Kashmir.

AUSTRALIA: Killings of Kashmiris continue in India-occupied Kashmir. Recent violations of human rights in IoK by the Indian occupation forces have shaken world conscience to a certain extent. This is the new phase of aggressive and hegemonic Hindu nationalism. Secularism that earned India a place in the community of nations as a relatively responsible country seems to be at an end. The world is now witnessing a reactionary and exclusive India. The very foundations of nationhood are being redefined. The situation looks very complex not only for a diverse country like India but for the whole region where concepts of states and nations are being challenged by the rise of the far right. The Indian constitution defines India as a secular country where citizens are those who live within the geographical boundaries of India regardless of their faith or culture. The Indian state has survived for the past 72 years as a singular geographical entity due to its inclusive constitution even though many new units have been created on the demand of local movements. Over the years, the state crushed many separatist movements and by doing so conveyed a clear message that the state’s secularism is supreme. The real test of tenacity of the Indian state is yet to come. There seems an inevitable clash between Indian politics and Indian secular state. The phenomenon of Hindu nationalism itself is very confusing, Nationalism is usually associated with a minority that fears dominance by the majority, but in case of India it’s the other way around. It’s a nationalism of majority against a minority. It looks like India is on a self-destructive path.

India seems to be moving towards one nation, one religion and one language. This is a dangerous trend and well-meaning Indians are warning about the harmful consequences of exclusivity.

Malik Atif Mahmood Majoka

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2019.

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