By Muhammad Qasim Bhutta
The promotion of vegetarianism as a marker of Indian identity has been closely tied to the idea of Indian nationalism, particularly Hindu nationalism. The link between vegetarianism and nationalism can be seen in the policies and rhetoric of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliates. The BJP has promoted vegetarianism as a part of its larger agenda of promoting Hindu culture, identity and has been accused of using it as a tool to marginalize minority communities, particularly Muslims.
For many Hindus in India, vegetarianism is not just a personal choice but a way of life. It is deeply intertwined with religious beliefs and cultural practices. Many Hindus view vegetarianism as a means of practicing non-violence and showing respect for all living beings. On the other hand, many Muslims in India consume meat as a part of their dietary traditions and do not share the same reverence for vegetarianism. This cultural difference has often led to conflicts between the two communities.
These conflicts have taken a violent turn with the rise of right-wing Hindu nationalism. Hindu nationalist groups, such as the RSS and the VHP, have been accused of promoting a narrow-minded and exclusionary vision of India that seeks to marginalize and discriminate against Muslims.
These organisations support Hindutva, the belief that India should be a Hindu homeland. The BJP, under by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was elected to power in 2014 and again in 2019 after promoting social policies with aspects of Hindutva. Modi was previously a full-time RSS worker and is currently an RSS member. With Hindutva, RSS and its organizational offspring want to advance the notion of a Hindu religious nation.
A report has been published by Human Rights Watch in 2019 titled “Violent Cow Protection in India.” It indicates that since the Hindu right-wing party BJP in power, the attacks on minorities specifically on Muslims have increased. From May 2015 to December 2018, at least 36 Muslims out 44 were killed in 12 states in India. In the same period, more than 280 people were injured across 20 states, in 100 different incidents. These attacks have been led by the organisations of cow-protection, many of whom claim to be connected to violent Hindu organisations that frequently have ties to the BJP.
Another study suggested that, cow and calf slaughter is illegal in 20 of India’s 28 states, and it is a cognizable offence for which the police may detain a person without a warrant.
The recent rise in vigilantism and attacks on Muslims over suspicion of consuming beef is a clear violation of the principle of secularism. It creates a climate of fear and insecurity among the Muslim community and perpetuates religious intolerance and discrimination.
The issue of vegetarianism and its links to the Hindu-Muslim conflict in India has not received the attention it deserves on the global stage. While there have been some reports in international media on incidents of violence and discrimination against Muslims in India, the underlying factors and root causes of these incidents, such as the promotion of vegetarianism as a marker of Indian identity, have not been adequately addressed.
The lack of international attention to this issue can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, India is a major economic and political power and is seen as an important ally by many countries in the West. This has led to a reluctance among some countries to criticize India’s internal affairs, including the issue of communal tensions.
Secondly, the issue of communal tensions in India is often portrayed as a domestic issue, and there is a tendency to view it in isolation from broader regional and global concerns. However, the reality is that communal tensions in India have significant implications for regional stability and global security.
Lastly, the issue of vegetarianism is often seen as a cultural and dietary preference rather than a matter of national and international concern. However, when the promotion of vegetarianism is linked to religious intolerance and discrimination, it becomes a matter of human rights and social justice.
It is important for the international community to pay attention to the issue of communal tensions in India, including the role of vegetarianism in fueling these tensions. This requires a more nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical factors that contribute to these tensions, and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation with India to address them.
The world cannot afford to ignore the issue of communal tensions in India, including the links between vegetarianism and the Hindu-Muslim conflict. The international community has a responsibility to promote human rights and social justice, and to work towards greater understanding and cooperation between different communities in India and beyond. (Edited by Khadijah Kamili)
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The writer is a London-based researcher and scholar of Peace, Conflict and Development. He can be reached at mq76156@gmail.com
