PM Modi made over 100 Islamophobic remarks in campaign speeches: Human Rights Watch
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi made over 100 Islamophobic remarks during his electoral campaign this year, according to a report published by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday. The report, titled 'Hate Speech Fueled Modi’s Election Campaign,' analysed 173 speeches and found that in at least 110 of them, Modi repeatedly incited discrimination, hostility, and violence against marginalised groups.
The report highlighted how Modi's campaign speeches involved raising fears among Hindus with false claims that their religion, places of worship, wealth, land, and the safety of women and girls would be threatened by Muslims if opposition parties gained power. Modi also alleged that Muslims have higher birth rates than other communities, suggesting that Hindus, who make up around 80% of India’s population, could become a minority.
HRW’s report further indicated a surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric in India since Modi’s government came to power in 2014. Popular Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath, among others have also made speeches that stoked Hindu-Muslim tensions.
During a speech in Dharm (Madhya Pradesh) on May 7, Modi falsely claimed that the Congress Party “intends to give priority to Muslims even in sports.” In another speech in Koderma (Jharkhand) on May 14, he alleged that the “idols of our gods are being destroyed” and that “these infiltrators (Muslims) have threatened the security of our sisters and daughters.”
Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at HRW, condemned these speeches, stating they have further normalised abuses against Muslims, Christians, and others. “The Indian government’s claims of plurality and being the ‘mother of democracy’ ring hollow in the face of its abusive anti-minority actions,” she said.
HRW also noted that violence against religious minorities has continued since the election, citing the deaths of 12 Muslim men and a Christian woman in 28 reported attacks across the country.
The report further highlighted that BJP leaders and affiliated Hindu nationalist groups have made statements over the past decade that have incited mob attacks on churches. These incidents have included pastors being beaten, prevented from holding religious meetings, and being accused under anti-conversion laws. Churches have also been vandalised in several instances.
Pearson emphasised that the new Modi government must reverse its discriminatory policies, take action against violence targeting minorities, and ensure justice for those affected.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
