A conference at Jawahar Bhawan on Saturday brought together a diverse group of social and human rights activists, lawyers, journalists, academicians, and political leaders to discuss the escalating challenges faced by religious minorities in India, particularly Muslims and Christians.
Organised by ANHAD and the United Christian Forum, the event titled "The Quest for Equality and Justice" examined the contemporary status of these communities amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions.
The gathering paid tribute to CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, who had passed away two days prior, acknowledging his lifetime commitment to promoting equality and justice. His work, particularly during his 12 years in the Rajya Sabha, was highlighted as a crucial contribution to the fight for minority rights.
Participants reflected on his advocacy for religious minorities, focusing on the measures taken by successive BJP-led governments under Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, which they argued have disproportionately targeted Muslims and Christians.
The conference spotlighted the weaponization of laws such as anti-conversion statutes and the push for a Uniform Civil Code, which were identified as key tools in the suppression of religious minorities.
Speakers expressed concern over the rise in the use of bulldozers as instruments of intimidation, initially directed at Christian schools but now more commonly deployed against the Muslim community. This practice, widely criticised as extrajudicial punishment, has been emblematic of what many described as an ongoing state-backed persecution of minorities.
A central theme of the discussions was the importance of unity among oppressed communities, including Muslims, Christians, Dalits, Tribals, and OBCs. Speakers argued that these groups when united, form a formidable collective force capable of challenging the ruling BJP and its policies. The continuing violence in Manipur, marked by government inaction and the Prime Minister’s failure to visit the state, was also highlighted as an example of the administration's tacit complicity in acts of mob violence and persecution against religious minorities.
Several speakers addressed the issue of mob violence, with a particular focus on lynchings and the role of the state in enabling such attacks. The ongoing persecution of Christians and Muslims, exacerbated by incidents of mob justice, was framed as part of a larger pattern of state-sanctioned hate. Participants condemned the use of bulldozers to target Muslim communities, viewing such actions as a violation of principles of civilized governance.
The broader historical context was provided, with references to post-2014 violence against Christians, Muslims, Dalits, and other marginalized groups. This period was characterised as a "counter-revolution," marking a significant departure from India’s secular values. It was argued that the rise of the BJP in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections exacerbated this trend, with attacks on minorities intensifying as acts of political revenge.
The conference concluded with calls for greater solidarity among communities and a concerted effort by civil society, opposition leaders, and religious figures to counter the growing climate of hate with love and compassion. Participants emphasised the need for collective action to combat the increasing marginalisation of minority groups and to restore the secular fabric of the nation.