Hindu Persecution in West Bengal: The Struggles of the Minority
Understanding Hindu Persecution in West Bengal
Hindus are the symbol of tolerance and love for peace unlike those to talk of peace. Hindus, even within India, face ongoing Hindu persecution, particularly in regions where they are outnumbered. West Bengal’s border districts, such as Murshidabad, Malda, and North 24 Parganas, have become hotspots of tension where Muslim populations form local majorities. For instance, Murshidabad has a Muslim population of 66% according to the 2011 census, and similar patterns exist in surrounding districts. Hindus in these areas report growing harassment, land disputes, and violence, all of which have striking parallels with the situation in Bangladesh. In this blog we attempt discover the topic after we have explored how Bangladesh Hindus are persecuted in Bagladesh and how thousands of those who came to India for shelter were killed and so on in the previous blogs.
The Rise of Violence and Displacement: 2021 and Beyond
Ram Navami Clashes in Murshidabad (2023)
Representative Video Murshidabad, West Bengal 2017 https://x.com/TheTreeni/status/1780628022057472289
In 2023, clashes broke out in Murshidabad during Ram Navami celebrations, leading to widespread violence. Hindu homes were torched, businesses looted, and several people were injured. This incident was eerily reminiscent of the destruction of homes during Marichjhapi in 1979. The violence wasn’t merely spontaneous; it was the result of years of simmering resentment, unchecked political favoritism, and a shift in demographic and political dynamics. Despite claims of police presence, reports suggest that the authorities either failed to intervene or were complicit in allowing the violence to unfold.
Representative Video Murshidabad, West Bengal 2017 https://x.com/TheTreeni/status/1780628022057472289
Birbhum Exodus (2021)
In 2021, a particularly alarming incident took place in Birbhum, where more than 1,000 Hindu families were forced to abandon their homes after violent mobs, allegedly led by TMC supporters, launched an attack on their properties. The families, caught in a mix of violence and intimidation, fled their homes fearing for their lives. Reports from news outlets like OpIndia and Times of India highlighted the government’s neglect in addressing these issues, even after pleas for help from the displaced Hindus. The Birbhum Exodus marks a significant escalation in the Hindus persecution in these areas.
The Left Front’s Legacy of Appeasement
The legacy of the Left Front’s appeasement politics remains deeply ingrained in West Bengal. Despite CPI(M)’s promises to protect the marginalized, their support base, including Muslims, has largely been prioritized at the expense of the Hindu minority. This shift in focus was evident even before the 2021 elections, when the Trinamool Congress (TMC) began to consolidate Muslim votes, while neglecting the concerns of Hindu refugees in the border districts.
In these regions, Hindus face systemic exclusion where local power dynamics have shifted in favor of the majority Muslim population. The political narrative often silences the grievances of Hindus, and when they raise their voices in protest, they face swift retribution. The state’s response is often lackluster, with authorities refusing to hold perpetrators accountable or, in some cases, actively supporting the perpetrators.
Tensions in West Bengal’s Minority Areas
Baduria and Howrah (2021-2023)
In Baduria and Howrah, the situation for Hindus has continued to deteriorate. Hindu communities in these areas have increasingly reported threats of violence, land grabbing, and cultural suppression. These reports, highlighted in outlets such as Swarajya and Modern Diplomacy, show that Hindus are not just physically attacked but are also socially excluded and discriminated against by local Muslim-majority communities. Hindu religious activities, such as Durga Puja and Ram Navami, face significant disruptions. The TMC’s leadership, like its predecessors, is often accused of not doing enough to protect Hindus in these areas, often catering to Muslim voters at the expense of maintaining law and order.
The Role of Local Politics
In these districts, political calculations are also deeply intertwined with religious demographics. The ruling TMC party has been accused of using religious appeasement as a political tool to maintain its hold on power, particularly after the 2021 West Bengal elections. This strategy has left Hindus feeling increasingly marginalized. Land disputes and violent confrontations have become all too common, further entrenching the divide between religious communities. The state’s reluctance to address the issues faced by Hindus has only exacerbated their insecurity, leaving many feeling like second-class citizens.
The Enduring Legacy of Marichjhapi: A Parallel Struggle
The Marichjhapi massacre of 1979 marked the beginning of a disturbing trend, where Bengali Hindu refugees faced violent eviction and suppression. This event set a chilling precedent for the treatment of displaced Hindus in West Bengal, and its legacy continues to impact the community today.
The Struggles of Bangladeshi Hindus in India
Beyond West Bengal, the fate of Bangladeshi Hindu refugees in India remains uncertain. While many sought refuge in India after Partition and in subsequent decades, they face ongoing struggles. Many are still denied citizenship, while others live in refugee camps or are forced into precarious conditions. The continuing religious discrimination they face in both Bangladesh and India further highlights the longstanding issues of Hindu displacement that began in 1947 and continue to this day.
The Broader Context of Hindu Persecution in India
The Hindu persecution in West Bengal is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather part of a larger pattern of violence and discrimination against Hindus in various parts of India.
National-Level Politics and Policies
The Indian government’s response to Hindu persecution in West Bengal has been inadequate. Despite being the ruling party in the state, the TMC has failed to protect Hindu minorities. The BJP-led central government has also been criticized for not doing enough to address the issue. A more comprehensive national policy is needed to safeguard the rights of Hindus in West Bengal and other minority-dominated areas ¹.
Experiences of Hindus Beyond West Bengal
While West Bengal is a hotspot of Hindu persecution, other parts of India also witness similar incidents. In Kerala, Hindus face increasing radicalization and violence from Islamist groups. In Kashmir, Hindus have been forced to flee their homes due to militant threats. Similarly, in some districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Hindus face harassment and violence from Muslim-majority communities.
The Role of International Organizations
The ongoing persecution of Hindus in West Bengal highlights a significant human rights issue that extends beyond regional boundaries. The legacy of past violence, such as the Marichjhapi massacre, reflects a continuing struggle against discrimination and violence. This pattern calls for immediate and unified actions to safeguard the rights and safety of Hindu minorities in these areas as suggested in the blog “Bangladesh Hindu Persecution: Cost of Tolerance and Unity Call Part VI“.
Governments, both at the state and national levels, need to rise above the petty electoral politics and work for national interests. Moreover, the involvement of international organizations and global advocacy can play a crucial role in bringing international attention instead of working in a biased manner.
This situation is not only a challenge for West Bengal but a matter of global concern that tests our commitment to upholding human rights.
We encourage our readers to stay informed and support efforts aimed at making a positive change.
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Glossary of Terms:
- AAP: Aam Aadmi Party, a political party in India
- Bengali Hindu refugees: Hindus who fled from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to India, particularly West Bengal, due to persecution and violence
- BRS: Bharat Rashtra Samithi, a political party in India
- CPI(M): Communist Party of India (Marxist), a political party in India
- Durga Puja: A significant Hindu festival celebrated in West Bengal and other parts of India
- Hanuman Jayanti: A Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman
- Islamist groups: Organizations or individuals promoting Islamic fundamentalism and extremism
- Kashmiri Pandits: A Hindu community that originated from the Kashmir Valley
- Left Front: A political alliance in India, primarily consisting of left-wing parties
- Marichjhapi massacre: A violent incident in 1979 where Bengali Hindu refugees were killed and displaced in West Bengal
- Muharram: A significant Islamic festival
- Ram Navami: A Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama
- RJD: Rashtriya Janata Dal, a political party in India
- SP: Samajwadi Party, a political party in India
- TMC: Trinamool Congress, a political party in India
- UNHRC: United Nations Human Rights Council, a global human rights organization
Top #Tags: #HinduPersecution #WestBengalViolence #ReligiousTensions #MinorityRights #PoliticalAppeasement
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