The staggering 84% rise in communal violence in India last year is not just a statistic – it is a wake-up call. Behind these numbers lie shattered lives, fractured communities, and a nation’s collective conscience grappling with the erosion of harmony. Communal violence is more than a social ill; it’s a threat to India’s democratic fabric, its economic progress, and its aspirations for a peaceful and inclusive future. This article seeks to unravel the mindset that fuels such violence, examining its political, economic, and social roots, the consequences it leaves in its wake, and the insights offered by international organisations. Most importantly, it explores how communication and understanding can serve as powerful tools to prevent these conflicts and rebuild trust.
Understanding the Mindset Behind Communal Violence
Communal violence does not erupt spontaneously. It is the culmination of deeply ingrained prejudices, historical grievances, and identity-based divisions that have been passed down through generations. These biases are often inherited – through family narratives, social interactions, and religious or cultural teachings – and are further amplified by political agendas and media portrayals that emphasise differences rather than shared humanity.
At the heart of this mindset lies the dangerous narrative of ‘us vs. them.’ This binary thinking reduces complex human identities to simplistic categories, making it easier to justify discrimination or violence against those perceived as ‘the other.’ Historical events – riots, conflicts, or perceived injustices – are often weaponised to keep grievances alive, creating a cycle of distrust and resentment that spans decades.
In today’s digital age, social media has become a double-edged sword. While it has the potential to connect people, it also serves as a breeding ground for misinformation, propaganda, and hate speech. Fake news and manipulated content spread like wildfire, feeding existing biases and radicalising individuals. When one community is portrayed as a perpetual victim and another as an aggressor, it deepens divisions and fuels a vicious cycle of retaliatory violence.
Fear and resentment are powerful psychological drivers of communal violence. When a community feels threatened – whether by demographic shifts, economic competition, or cultural changes – some individuals may turn to aggression as a form of self-preservation. This fear is often stoked by political actors who exploit these sentiments for electoral gains. The dehumanisation of the ‘other’ makes it easier to rationalise violence, framing it as a necessary defence of one’s identity, traditions, or economic interests.
Political Causes: Role of Divisive Rhetoric
Communal violence is often a tool for political mobilisation. In the pursuit of electoral victories, some political parties resort to divisive rhetoric, using religion and identity politics to polarise voters. Hate speeches, targeted campaigns against minority communities, and the strategic propagation of fear help consolidate vote banks – but at the cost of social harmony. Weak law enforcement and political patronage further embolden perpetrators, creating a culture of impunity that allows violence to recur.
Economic Causes: Inequality and Competition
Economic disparities are a significant catalyst for communal tensions. Marginalised communities often face systemic discrimination in access to employment, education, and housing. When economic competition is framed along communal lines, it exacerbates inter-group strife. In some cases, violence is used as a smokescreen for economic exploitation, such as land encroachment or resource grabbing, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
Social Causes: Fragmentation and Alienation
India’s social fabric is deeply intertwined with caste, religious, and regional identities. However, urbanisation and the rise of digital echo chambers have eroded traditional community interactions, leading to greater social fragmentation. The lack of meaningful interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange has allowed stereotypes and mutual distrust to fester. This alienation creates fertile ground for communal tensions to thrive.
Communal Violence Statistics and Trends (2024)
According to a report “Hegemony and Demolitions: The Tale of Communal Riots in India in 2024” published by the Centre for the Study of Society and Secularism:
Increase in Communal Riots
- In 2024, 59 communal riots were recorded, compared to 32 in 2023 – an 84% increase.
- These riots resulted in 13 deaths (10 Muslims, 3 Hindus).
- Maharashtra (12), Uttar Pradesh (7), and Bihar (7) witnessed the highest number of incidents.
- Religious events were increasingly exploited to incite violence, with riots occurring during the Ram Mandir consecration, Ganesh Chaturthi, Saraswati Puja, and Eid al-Adha.
Mob Lynching: The Role of State and Impunity
- 2024 saw 13 incidents of mob lynching, resulting in 11 deaths (9 Muslims, 1 Hindu, 1 Christian).
- Most lynchings were related to allegations of cow slaughter.
- State-backed “collective punishment” through bulldozer demolitions targeted Muslim properties, worsening economic vulnerabilities.
Political Polarisation and Violence
- Communal violence spiked during the 2024 general elections and state assembly elections.
- Hate speech and religious polarisation were strategically used for electoral gains.
- 49 out of 59 riots occurred in BJP-ruled states, while 7 took place in Congress-ruled states and 3 in TMC-ruled Bengal.
Widening Scope of Communal Violence and State Response
- Communal violence has now spread beyond urban centres to rural areas.
- Religious processions were deliberately used to provoke violence – aggressive rallies through Muslim neighbourhoods with provocative slogans.
- Fabricated legal cases disproportionately targeted Muslims, fostering fear and marginalisation.
Consequences of Communal Violence: A Nation’s Wounds
The impact of communal violence extends far beyond the immediate loss of lives and property. It leaves deep scars on society:
- Loss of Lives and Property: Innocent civilians bear the brunt of violence, suffering irreparable loss and enduring lifelong trauma.
- Disruption of Economic Activities: Businesses shut down, investors grow wary, and infrastructure is damaged, hindering economic growth and development.
- Psychological and Social Trauma: Violence deepens inter-community rifts, fostering long-term resentment and societal division.
- Threat to Democratic Values: The erosion of secularism and pluralism undermines the constitutional ideals that hold the nation together.
Global Perspectives: A Call for Accountability
International human rights organisations have expressed growing concern over India’s communal violence. Reports from Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Freedom House highlight the rise in hate crimes, systemic discrimination, and political complicity in stoking tensions. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has urged India to uphold its commitments to religious freedom and minority rights, emphasising the need for accountability and reform.
Strategies to Prevent Communal Violence
Addressing communal violence requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that tackles its root causes and fosters lasting peace:
- Strict Legal Enforcement: Strengthening hate crime laws, fast-tracking riot-related cases, and ensuring impartial judicial action against instigators.
- Political Accountability: Holding politicians accountable for hate speech, communal propaganda, or incitement to violence through stringent legal consequences.
- Economic Inclusion: Addressing disparities through equitable policies, job opportunities, and financial inclusion programmes for marginalised communities.
- Educational Reforms: Integrating peace education, interfaith studies, and communal harmony programs into school curricula to nurture tolerance from an early age.
- Interfaith and Intercommunity Dialogue: Promoting open dialogue between communities to dispel misconceptions, build trust, and prevent conflicts. Regular forums, peace committees, and cultural exchanges can foster mutual understanding, while involving religious leaders and grassroots organisations ensures effective conflict resolution and early intervention.
- Media Responsibility: Regulating digital platforms to curb the spread of fake news, hate speech, and divisive propaganda that often incite violence. Promoting ethical journalism, fact-checking mechanisms, and responsible reporting to counter misinformation, foster informed discourse, and uphold social harmony.
- Police and Administrative Reform: Enhancing sensitivity training for law enforcement, ensuring unbiased action, and holding officers accountable for failures in violence prevention.
- International Cooperation: Collaborating with global organisations to adopt best practices in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. For instance, initiatives by the United Nations (UN), such as the Alliance of Civilizations, promote intercultural dialogue to reduce religious and ethnic tensions. Countries like South Africa have successfully used truth and reconciliation commissions to heal divisions after apartheid, providing a model for addressing communal strife. Engaging with organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch can also strengthen monitoring mechanisms and policy recommendations to curb hate crimes and communal violence.
A Stronger India: Unity in Diversity
The rise in communal violence is a stark reminder of the challenges India faces in preserving its social cohesion and democratic values. While political opportunism and socio-economic disparities contribute to the problem, the solution lies in collective action. Civil society, government institutions, and international watchdogs must work together to address the root causes of violence and promote communal harmony.
A crucial step in preventing communal violence is encouraging meaningful dialogue between communities. Misunderstandings, stereotypes, and historical grievances often fuel tensions, but open communication can dispel misconceptions and create an environment of trust. Dialogue encourages mutual respect, facilitates conflict resolution, and strengthens the shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.
India’s strength lies in its diversity. By fostering unity amidst this diversity, the nation can ensure that communal harmony remains a cornerstone of its national ethos. The path to peace begins with understanding, empathy, and open communication – values that can heal divisions and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]