Community politics is at an all time high in Leicester.
It has been more than seven decades since the two countries of India and Pakistan achieved Independence. Since 1952, the two countries have been going against each other in the sport of cricket.
No matter how much unceasing tension or bad blood the countries may have between them, tensions never broke out over trivial matters. Situations were always back to normal.
The above example might sound irrelevant but it is to clarify that the recent tensions in Leicester did not rise from age-old rivalry between Hindus and Muslims. It has been because of the far right ideology of Hindutva.
The protests, sloganeering and unrest taking place in Leicester has been said to be caused by the “archaic” dispute between Hindus and Muslims. This fits in with both the old colonial views and the new religious nationalist frameworks, anchored as they are in the idea that these religious communities cannot coexist and will always experience tense animosity.
All this while, this extremism was visible only to Indians. Now, it was on an international platform, with countries and foreign communities watching it unfold. The United Kingdom had experienced this ideology play a role in the political scenario of Britain and even social media.
The RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) is an organization of Hindu nationalists. They have often been a problematic group for other minorities, not just Muslims. It has an extension in the UK called Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). HSS has played a key role in integrating and mobilizing groups during the unrest happening in Leicester.
Not just in Leicester, they carry out these doings in multiple British cities.
HSS-UK has existed for quite a while now. However, it is now that they are rising to prominence. Why is that/ It is due to the growing popularity of Narendra Modi amongst the NRI (Non-Residential Indian) masses.
British-Hindus or the supporters of Modi are not belonging to a single age bracket or a generation. They belong to multiple brackets and generations as internalised Hindutva, or any other name one may give it, has existed for decades now.
No one can say that only India has become more and more Islamophobic with time. Britain has its own Islamophobia and it has been a catalyst to the growing tensions.
Community Politics:
Neither of the two groups can be termed “victims” or “perpetrators” at this point. It is both the communities protesting a counter-protesting. There are individuals from both parties that are fueling the fire.
In Britain, some Muslims often disregard the identity of non-muslims and thus justifying their violence and injustice against them. At times, Muslims are said to be getting defensive and consequently, they come off as the victims.
Similarly, there is a portrayal that India is equal to Hindus only and Hindus are the ultimate peace lovers and cannot cause harm to other communities. But oftentimes, that illusion is shattered because even Hindus hold the same or at least similar feeling of superiority to other communities.
It is politics of image portrayal that is now leading to the current events.
Social media has been no relief too. Instead of debunking false news, more propaganda is spread across to instigate the two communities.
The NRI mindset people who have supported Modi while being laid back in their homes which are valued in dollars, euros or pounds, are also taking a hit from this. While Hindu NRIs enjoy the extra patting down of Muslims at airports, they too will be facing the same after the clashes. Hindus will be treated the same as Muslims thus, actually giving rise to “Hinduphobia”. That is why, it is very important to assuage such issues and not instigate more and more because at the end of the day, everyone will be at a loss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWPh7wzGNvc
Violence in Leicester So Far:
On August 28, fans from Hindu and Muslim communities reportedly clashed after India secured a win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup T20 tournament in Dubai. Eight people were arrested on “suspicion of assault and violent disorder”, as per English media. Several similar incidents of disturbance were reported in the coming days, which led to more arrests. Following this, more disputes have taken place which have led to authorities to release official statements.
