Amid escalating tensions, public anger has reached a boiling point in India following a brutal attack in Kashmir last week that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, predominantly Hindu tourists. In response to the violence, authorities have taken drastic actions, with thousands of Muslims detained and their homes demolished, marking a disturbing backlash.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to retaliate by targeting militants, claiming Pakistan harbored those responsible for the attack—a charge Pakistan firmly denies. The aftermath has seen a troubling increase in hate crimes against the Muslim community, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, as reports label these acts as punitive measures linked to the broader conflict.
The crackdown on Kashmiris has intensified, with security forces detaining hundreds and demolishing homes associated with alleged terrorist connections. This hostile climate contributes to an anti-Muslim sentiment that experts suggest aims to rally India’s Hindu majority, a tactic long utilized by Modi’s party.
In addition, over 80,000 Afghan migrants have been expelled from Pakistan recently, with the situation adding more strain amid already tense relations in the region.
