India: 81 year old activist against bigotry

https://tr.im/breaking-news/human-rights/aging-activists-in-india-promote-interfaith-harmony-amidst-rising-bigotry

Aging Activists in India Promote Interfaith Harmony Amidst Rising Bigotry

Aging activists in India, including Roop Rekha Verma, Vipin Kumar Tripathi, and Shabnam Hashmi, distribute pamphlets and posters to promote interfaith harmony amidst rising religious tensions. They face threats and harassment from right-wing groups and the government, but continue their mission to combat bigotry and division.

29 May 2024 14:13 EST
Nimrah Khatoon

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Roop Rekha Verma, a peace activist and former university leader, has been distributing pamphlets with messages of religious tolerance in a north Indian neighborhood prone to sectarian strife. Verma's pamphlets urge people to 'talk to each other' and not let anyone divide them. Similarly, Tripathi, a former physics professor, travels across India with a message of peace, distributing information sheets addressing provocative issues.

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The efforts of these activists come against the backdrop of a highly polarized political climate in India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been accused of promoting hatred and bigotry against minorities, particularly Muslims. Modi's government has been criticized for using social media to stoke religious hatred and create a divisive atmosphere. The BJP's social media strategy targets young users on WhatsApp and those over 40 on Facebook, effectively spreading narratives and influencing public opinion.

Despite facing threats, harassment, and police complaints from right-wing groups and the government, these activists continue their mission. 'We might not be able to stop this craziness, but that doesn't mean we should stop fighting,' Hashmi asserts. Their work has become even more vital as over three dozen human rights defenders, poets, journalists, and opposition politicians face charges for criticizing Modi's divisive policies.

The national election in India has further intensified the vilification of minorities, with Modi and his party targeting Muslims directly in campaign speeches. Modi's rhetoric has included dehumanizing language, referring to Muslims as 'infiltrators'. This has led to fears of communal violence and further marginalization of the Muslim community.

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