Communal violence leave Muslims fearful in Gurugram, India

The state of Haryana, India, has been witnessing a surge in communal tensions, particularly in Gurugram, where Muslims are facing escalating fear due to targeted attacks on a mosque and Muslim-owned establishments, as reported by Al Jazeera. The catalyst for the escalating violence was an incident on July 31 when a Hindu far-right mob allegedly set fire to the Anjuman Jama mosque in Gurugram's Sector 57, resulting in the tragic death of the mosque's 22-year-old deputy imam, Mohammad Saad. This event was preceded by clashes in the neighboring Nuh district, where a Hindu religious procession turned violent.

The consequences of the unrest have spread beyond Gurugram, with neighboring towns witnessing similar disturbing incidents. Hindu mobs have been specifically targeting businesses, eateries, properties, and places of worship belonging to the Muslim community. In response to the growing unrest, authorities have deployed additional troops and enforced a curfew, supplemented by the suspension of internet services, in an attempt to restore order. However, despite these measures, the violence persists. Allegations have been made that certain Hindu far-right groups aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have played a role in instigating and participating in the attacks.

Gurugram, renowned for its corporate presence and upscale shopping centers, has become a central point for simmering tensions between Hindu far-right organizations and Muslims conducting Friday prayers in public spaces. Consequently, numerous prayer sites have been discontinued, with the Anjuman Jama mosque emerging as one of the few remaining places of worship for Muslims in the city.

Criticism has been directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, both affiliated with the BJP, for their perceived inadequate response to the violence. Furthermore, the timing of these incidents has drawn international attention as global leaders prepare to gather in New Delhi for an upcoming G20 summit.

Neighboring Sohna has also experienced similar attacks on Muslim-owned establishments and properties, with a mosque falling victim to a Hindu mob. Reports suggest that arbitrary arrests of Muslim men have further exacerbated fear and anxiety within the Muslim community in the region.

Meanwhile, in Nuh district, tensions remain high, with empty roads and heightened police patrols as a result of recent violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims. The disturbances in this area were triggered by rumors concerning the presence of a Hindu right-wing leader, leading to property damage and arrests of Muslim men.