During a recent autorickshaw ride in Bengaluru, I couldn’t help but notice a large number of people wearing hijabs and caps, which are common Muslim attire. Curious, I asked the autorickshaw driver if we had arrived in Pakistan, to which he replied with a shocking statement –
“One side of the road is India, and the other side is Pakistan.” It was alarming to realize that the conflicts between Hindus and Muslims in Bengaluru have escalated to such an extent that people are starting to feel like they are living in a divided city.
Affirming that he does not belong to any political party, the auto driver also said that if BJP and RSS were not there, the city would have become a Muslim-majority city by now.
With each passing day, Bengaluru is slowly transforming into a Muslim-majority place, which is evident by the increasing number of Muslims residing in several areas where only a decade ago, they were a minority. The changing demographics have only added fuel to the already existing religious tensions, and it’s a cause for concern for Hindus living in the city.
Bengaluru, India – Hindu-Muslim tensions have risen in the city of Bengaluru, with incidents of violence and vandalism reported in several areas. The police have stepped up security measures to prevent further escalation of the situation.
Bengaluru still can’t forget the incident where a mob attacked a police station and vandalized property after a post on social media allegedly insulted Islam. The police have arrested several people in connection with the incident. In another incident, violence erupted in the Kaval Byrasandra area of the city over a derogatory Facebook post about Prophet Muhammad. The violence resulted in the death of three people and several injuries.
The city has been tense since then, with several incidents of violence and vandalism reported. The police have arrested several people in connection with these incidents, but tensions continue to simmer.
The police have issued a warning to the public against spreading rumors or making inflammatory statements on social media, which can lead to violence. They have also urged people to report any suspicious activity or persons to the police.
The city has a history of communal tension, with several incidents of violence reported in the past. The police have been criticized for their handling of such incidents, with some accusing them of bias towards one community or the other.
The state government has urged the public to maintain peace and harmony and has assured them of strict action against those who indulge in violence or vandalism.
The escalation of tensions has been attributed to several factors, including political polarization, economic disparities, and the spread of fake news on social media. The city has a large Muslim population, and there have been allegations of discrimination and marginalization.
Experts have called for greater efforts to promote social harmony and bridge the divide between communities. They have also called for greater accountability on the part of the police and the government to prevent and tackle incidents of communal violence.
The situation in Bengaluru remains tense, and the police are taking all necessary measures to maintain law and order. The public has been urged to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to the police. But if the situation persists, sooner or later Bengaluru would become a centre for Islamic terror.
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