India’s Crackdown on Muslims Amid Rising Tensions

In recent months, the Indian government has intensified its crackdown on Muslims, particularly following violent incidents in Kashmir. Reports indicate that authorities have forcibly deported over 1,500 individuals, including Indian citizens and Rohingya refugees, to Bangladesh and Myanmar between May and June 2025. This surge in deportations aligns with a broader campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, which has been accused of targeting Muslims under the guise of national security. Mustafa Kamal Sheikh, a Mumbai resident, recounted his harrowing experience of being detained and expelled without legal recourse, highlighting the plight of many who have faced similar fates.

NPRAmit Shah Links Rise in Muslim Population to ‘Infiltration’ from Pakistan and BangladeshScroll.in‘Modi govt gives free rein to extremist Hindus to propagate Hindutva ideology’Prof. M.H. Jawahirullah Slams Amit Shah’s Remarks on Muslim Population as ‘Reckless and Politically Motivated’

The crackdown was reportedly triggered by a militant attack in Kashmir that resulted in 26 fatalities. In response, the Modi government ordered the deportation of "illegal immigrants," a term that has disproportionately affected Muslims, particularly those who speak Bangla, a language common in both West Bengal and Bangladesh. Human Rights Watch has criticized the lack of legal processes surrounding these expulsions, emphasizing that many of those targeted were working-class individuals.

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Critics argue that the government's actions serve a dual purpose: diverting attention from the Kashmir violence and consolidating political power ahead of upcoming elections. Teesta Setalvad, co-founder of Citizens for Justice and Peace, suggested that the crackdown is a strategic move to rally nationalistic sentiments. Ziya Us Salam, a columnist, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the government's narrative aims to generate animosity towards Indian Muslims, thereby capitalizing on communal tensions.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has publicly linked the increase in the Muslim population to "large-scale infiltration" from neighboring countries, a claim that has drawn sharp criticism. Opponents, including Prof. M.H. Jawahirullah, have labeled Shah's remarks as reckless and politically motivated, arguing that they distort demographic realities. They point to census data indicating a decline in the Muslim fertility rate, contradicting the narrative of infiltration.

Prof. M.H. Jawahirullah Slams Amit Shah’s Remarks on Muslim Population as ‘Reckless and Politically Motivated’

While the Indian government has not released official figures on deportations, various reports indicate a significant rise in detentions and expulsions of Muslims across multiple states, including Assam and Gujarat. However, there is a lack of transparency regarding the exact number of individuals affected and the legal justifications for their deportation.

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The ongoing crackdown on Muslims raises critical questions about religious freedom and the secular nature of India's constitution. Analysts warn that the Modi government's policies may further marginalize minority communities and exacerbate communal tensions, potentially destabilizing the social fabric of the country.

Amit Shah Links Rise in Muslim Population to ‘Infiltration’ from Pakistan and Bangladesh

• “If you return, we will shoot you.'” — Mustafa Kamal Sheikh, Detained Indian Citizen

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• “The idea is to generate hate towards average Indian Muslims and capitalize on it at the time of elections,” — Ziya Us Salam, Columnist

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• “To attribute this natural demographic change to ‘infiltration’ is not only baseless but also an insult to Indian citizens who belong to the Muslim community,” — Prof. M.H. Jawahirullah, MLA

Prof. M.H. Jawahirullah Slams Amit Shah’s Remarks on Muslim Population as ‘Reckless and Politically Motivated’

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the implications of these policies for India's future as a secular democracy.

‘Modi govt gives free rein to extremist Hindus to propagate Hindutva ideology’