The recent attack on foreign students at a university hostel in Gujarat, India, has raised concerns about the growing extremism that threatens India’s democratic and multifaith traditions. The incident, where armed Hindu men assaulted Muslim students during Ramadan prayers, highlights the increasing intolerance in the country.
Victims of the attack, including Afghan student Abdul Bari Attai, expressed deep disappointment and hurt, stating that such violence is not expected in India. The attackers, chanting religious slogans, injured several students and vandalized property in the hostel complex.
While the Indian government condemned the attack and promised strict action against the perpetrators, critics point to a broader trend of rising religious tensions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Human Rights Watch has documented numerous incidents of violence against religious minorities, particularly Muslims, in recent years.
Gujarat, where the attack took place, has a history of religious conflict, including the infamous 2002 riots. Despite its cultural diversity, the state has witnessed a decline in tolerance over the years.
The incident has also sparked fear among students of other faiths, such as Christianity, particularly from Africa, who face discrimination and racial profiling in India. Many students now fear for their safety and feel increasingly unwelcome in the country.
As India grapples with growing religious divisions, students urge for greater tolerance and respect for diversity. They hope for a return to India’s secular values and a society where all individuals, regardless of their faith or background, can live without fear of violence or discrimination.