write article on rising communal riots
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Even though India has proclaimed herself to be a secular state there is no wall to separate state and religion. The state is basically neutral in matters of religion, although it is equally concerned with all religions.The concept of secularism in the Indian context is based on the philosophy of Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava. Indian Society is basically a religious society. Religion acts as a strong, motivating force in our thoughts and actions. However in spite of professing secularism there is religion, caste, colour and language intolerance. The communal virus has engulfed many a state in recent years. It is endemic and sometimes grows into an epidemic.The animosity between the Hindus and Muslims was largely the creation of the British rulers. In order to keep themselves in power they deliberately adopted a policy of ‘divide and rule’ and tried to promote feeling of alienation and hostility among the members of these two communities. The framers of the Constitution, therefore, decided to do away with the communal electorates introduced by the British in India. Instead they introduced universal adult franchise by which all the citizens above 21 years (now 18 years) of age irrespective of their religion, language, caste, place of residence etc. were granted right to vote. They also declared India a secular state which means that the state was completely detached in matters of religion. The Constitution promised to all the citizens the “freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation to religion subject to public order, morality and health all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion.” The divide and the rule policy of the British regime ultimately led to the historic communal riots accompanying the balkanizationof the country on the two nation theory basis. It was a demonstration of the deep seated communalism. However, it did not end here. The country has frequently witnessed Hindu-Muslim riots since independence, notwithstanding the efforts to bring about national and emotional integration. Fundamentalism is its main cause. Though we profess secularism yet the communal differences persist. These sometimes deepen with sectarian and parochialreligious beliefs. The situation is aggravated when politics is mixed with religion. Politicians have often tried to win favour with the minorities at the cost of another community. Populist measures are often used to gain political mileage or advantage in elections. Criminalization of politics has added a new dimension and accelerated communal conflict. Last but not the least, the electronic media and religious press have often added fuel to the fire. Sensationalism and irresponsible reporting and visuals which are provocative contribute their mite to rouse communal feelings. The communal harmony was seriously disturbed in 1961 when a clash between the students of the two communities took place at the Aligarh Muslim University. This produced repercussions in other parts of U. P., Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh and communal trouble broke out in a number of towns, resulting in enormous loss of life and property. After a lull for about two years, the communal harmony was once again seriously disturbed in 1963 following the theft of a relic of Prophet Mohammad from the Hazratbal mosque at Srinagar. This was followed by hartals, processions and protests from the Muslims of Kashmir.
In Bangladesh the minority community and their places of worship suffered heavily despite the concerned Governments prompt and strict measures to check the Muslim mobs from indulging in widespread destruction. Religious issues were politicized. The Rath Yatras, Bandhs and rumours of all types caused virtual madness and led to reckless actions by way of revenge and retaliation.
Communal riots is a form of violence that is perpetrated accross ethnic and communal lines.
The violent parties feel solidarity for their respected groups and victims are chosen based upon their group membership.
The Communal riots have increased for by 28% from 2014 to present.
While 2008 still is marked as the year of highest communal riots.
The legacy of the past, isolation of few religious groups, cross border factors and failure of government has resulted into the rise of communalism.