Extremist Hindus attack Muslim community over Eid Milad-un-Nabi flags in India

Communal violence erupted in the Indian state of Gujarat, with attacks targeting Muslim communities in the cities of Bharuch and Surat.

Several people were injured, including women and children, while 27 individuals have been arrested, most of whom are Muslims.

According to Indian media reports, violent clashes began when extremist Hindu groups objected to the installation of flags and banners celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Muslim-populated areas.

Armed with sticks and rods, the attackers chanted "Jai Shri Ram" as they set fire to motorcycles and property belonging to Muslims.

Tensions escalated when some Eid Milad-un-Nabi flags were forcibly removed, sparking outrage among the Muslim population.

The situation worsened as violence spread to other areas, including the city of Surat.

In both incidents, local police faced criticism for allegedly siding with the attackers, arresting Muslims instead of the perpetrators.

So far, 27 people have been detained, the majority of whom are from the Muslim community.

Earliers this year, an investigation had been initiated by authorities in western India following reports of an attack allegedly carried out by far-right Hindu nationalists against foreign university students observing prayers during the holy month of Ramazan.

This incident came amidst simmering religious tensions preceding a crucial general election.

According to Ahmedabad police, clashes erupted at Gujarat University when students from various countries, including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan, commenced prayers on campus grounds. Two people were detained following clashes.

Commissioner GS Malik stated that a group of 20-25 individuals confronted the students, insisting they should pray in a mosque instead. This confrontation escalated into stone-pelting and vandalism of the students' accommodations.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed at least two foreign students were injured.

In response, the state government vowed strict action against the perpetrators, as stated by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on social media.

This incident added to a series of communal clashes in India, reflecting the growing religious polarisation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government.

Concerns over growing intolerance and inter-religious tensions in India have been raised by analysts, particularly as Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pursue populist yet divisive policies ahead of the upcoming national election.

Other incidents in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, including the placement of saffron flags on a Christian church, underscore the deepening religious divide.