The Intelligence from The Economist Twist of faith: religious hatred in India
Jan 26, 2022
Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief based in Delhi, dives deep into the alarming rise of Hindu nationalism in India. He highlights how minority groups, especially Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs, face increasing hostility and violence, often exacerbated by government inaction. Rodenbeck paints a troubling picture of sectarian discrimination that undermines India’s secular ethos. He also touches on the shift in Chinese propaganda tactics and the lighthearted yet concerning otter trend in Southeast Asia.
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School Attacked
- Hindu nationalists stormed a Catholic school in Madhya Pradesh, believing a communion service was a secret conversion ceremony.
- They chanted, "Who will protect the faith? We will."
Rising Discrimination
- Religious discrimination in India targets Christians, Sikhs, and Muslims, taking various forms like harassment and boycotts.
- While large-scale violence has decreased, a pervasive "nastiness" and frequent attacks by Hindu nationalists are on the rise.
Targeting Muslim Women
- An app was created to "auction off" prominent Muslim women who criticized the government.
- Muslims accused of cow slaughter have been lynched by mobs.