Iftikhar Ahmed
The Modi government has been in power in India since 2014 and during this time, there have been concerns about the suppression of minority rights in the country. Despite promises of a more inclusive and tolerant society, the government's actions suggest otherwise. The Indian Constitution guarantees the rights of all citizens, including minorities, but in recent years there has been an increase in cases of discrimination, violence, and persecution against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. This has been fueled by hate speech, communal rhetoric, and divisive policies promoted by the government and its supporters. One of the most controversial measures introduced by the Modi government is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which grants citizenship to illegal immigrants from neighboring countries, except for Muslims. The CAA has been widely criticized as discriminatory and unconstitutional, and has sparked protests across the country. The government's response to the protests has been brutal, with police using excessive force, arresting activists and journalists, and shutting down internet access in affected areas. Another example of the government's disregard for minority rights is the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In August 2019, the government stripped the region of its autonomous status, detained thousands of people, and imposed a curfew and communication blackout. The move was widely condemned as a violation of human rights and an attack on the rights of the Muslim-majority population in the region. In addition to these policies, there have been several incidents of communal violence and lynchings of Muslims and Dalits (lower-caste Hindus) by Hindu nationalist groups who feel emboldened by the government's rhetoric and policies. These incidents have been met with a lack of accountability and justice, with many perpetrators going unpunished. The Modi government's efforts to suppress the rights of minorities are not just limited to religious minorities, but also extend to other marginalized groups such as women, LGBTQ+ people, and indigenous communities. There have been attempts to roll back laws protecting women's rights, and the government has not taken adequate steps to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people, despite the Supreme Court decriminalizing homosexuality in 2018. In conclusion, the Modi government's actions suggest a clear pattern of discrimination and suppression of minority rights in India. The government's policies and rhetoric have fueled communal tensions and emboldened extremist groups, leading to increased violence and persecution of minorities. It is important for the government to uphold the principles of the Constitution and ensure the protection of the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion, caste, gender, or sexual orientation.