Unravelling the Surge of Hindutva in India’s Contemporary Politics: Analyzing its impacts on the Kashmir Issue
Unravelling the Surge of Hindutva in India’s Contemporary Politics: Analyzing its impacts on the Kashmir Issue
Abstract:
The rise of Hindutva
ideology in India's political environment has impacted numerous facets of the
nation's culture and sociopolitical structure. International diplomacy and
regional stability have both been influenced by the protracted and complex
conflict in Kashmir. In the context of India's changing political environment,
this study explores the complex interactions between the burgeoning Hindutva
ideology and the long-running Kashmir conflict. It investigates the origins,
ascent, and effects of Hindutva on sociopolitical dynamics. The paper
emphasizes how the rise of Hindutva has widened societal chasms and stymied
bilateral negotiations for Kashmir's settlement. The research examines the
BJP's support of Hindutva and speculates on possible outcomes for the conflict
under its sway, focusing on demographic changes and human rights issues. The
report promotes open communication, human rights protection, international
mediation, reducing hate speech, and transparent governance in the region,
while also acknowledging the complex problems that lie ahead.
Keywords:
Hindutva,
Kashmir, BJP, Indian Politics
Introduction:
Hindutva
ideology has been much more prominent in India's political landscape in recent
years. Hindutva, a right-wing nationalist ideology based on the promotion of
Hindu identity, cultural values, and religious traditions, has acquired
popularity in mainstream politics and has an impact on many facets of Indian
culture. The long-standing and complicated Kashmir problem is one place where
its influence is particularly notable. India and Pakistan have had a
long-running territorial dispute over Kashmir, with both countries claiming
control over the area. This battle has had a significant impact on the lives of
those who reside in the area, resulting to decades of conflict, instability,
and human rights concerns.
Despite
the fact that numerous studies have examined the escalation of Hindutva in
Indian politics today and the complexity of the Kashmir dispute, there is still
a sizable knowledge vacuum about the intricate interactions between these two
phenomena and their long-term effects. The existing literature frequently
isolates Kashmir conflict and Hindutva does not offer a thorough examination of
how they are interconnected. The research is conducted to examine the
fundamental causes, historical context, and current state of Hindutva in Indian
politics and to investigate the effects of Hindutva on India's socio-political
structure. The research analyzes how the Kashmir problem has changed over time
in light of the rise of Hindutva and what it means for regional stability and
international relations. This research also identifies the government's role in
Indian saffronisation and their standings regarding the Kashmir Issue.
Rise
of Hindutva in India have increased social fragmentation and polarization of
Indian society, impeding productive bilateral talks and diplomacy to resolve
the Kashmir issue. The research is aimed to investigate significant historical
occurrences and reasons led to the growth of Hindutva in India's current
politics. Given the rise of Hindutva and its influence on India, the research
seeks to predict the possible futures for the conflict in Kashmir and gives suggestions
that should be made to advance inclusivity and to improve chances for a
peaceful resolution in Kashmir?
Discussion:
Historical
Occurrences and Reasons Behind the Surge of Hindutva:
Hindutva arose as a political and nationalist ideology in opposition to British colonial rule in India in the late 19th and early 20th century.[1] The various cultural and religious identities of Hindus were brought together by the colonial experience, which also helped them to feel more united. Hindutva supporters aimed to forge a unified Hindu identity by highlighting shared religious and cultural ties. The development of this Hindutva identity was greatly influenced by individuals like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Hindutva places a strong emphasis on the notion of a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation, and seeks to advance Hindu culture, traditions, and symbols as the cornerstone of Indian nationalism.
A significant development
that profoundly affected Indian politics and society was the 1947 division of
British India into India and Pakistan. Hindus felt insecure as a result of the
violence and upheaval of partition, which in turn fueled the rise of Hindutva
as a strategy for defending and advancing their interests. An important
flashpoint in Indian politics was the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid conflict in
Ayodhya.[2]
The Hindutva movement was sparked and a Ram temple was demanded to be built
there as a result of the notion that the Babri Masjid was built on the location
of Lord Ram's birth.
Hindu
nationalism got support from a number of sociopolitical groups, including the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP). These groups attempted to spread Hindutva ideals, rally
adherents, and establish a grassroots network. As Hindutva gained popularity,
the BJP, a political party with a Hindutva-inspired ideology, started to see
electoral success. The party's political program grew to contain a blend of
Hindutva and development-focused ideas, appealing to a wide voter base. As a
result of requests for more robust national security measures and forceful
policies, the emergence of Hindutva has been influenced in part by perceptions
of dangers to the Hindu community.
Muslim
Targeting; Hindutva’s Preeminent Agenda:
Under
the guise of defending cows, which Hinduism regards as sacred, there have been
incidents of cow vigilante organizations harming Muslims.[3]
Violence, especially lynching instance, was a frequent outcome of these
attacks. For example, the Dadri lynching of 2015, where a mob killed a Muslim
man on the grounds that he had consumed beef. The NRC is a contentious
initiative to identify Indian citizens and bar illegal immigrants. Critics have
expressed worry that the application of the NRC may disproportionately affect
Muslims, potentially resulting in statelessness and exclusion from citizenship
privileges. There are examples depicting that Muslims as well as other
minorities are treated harshly by the Hindutva supporters. There are examples
of sexual assault and killings of minorities by the Hindutva mobs as we have
seen in the recent crises of Manipur.
Role
of BJP in Fostering Hindutva:
The BJP government has made a serious effort to develop a potent sense of Hindu national identity.[4] They want to present India as a country with a Hindu majority that has Hindu culture, customs, and symbols at its core through promoting Hindutva. Their political support base among the Hindu community is mobilized and strengthened by this identity. The BJP administration successfully spreads Hindutva ideologies through media and communication channels. They use print, television, and social media to spread messages emphasizing the value of Hindutva in preserving Indian culture and safeguarding Hindu interests.
The perception of a strong Hindu identity in
India is reinforced by the government's policies and actions, which frequently
encourage cultural nationalism. Examples include programs like "Make in
India," "Sanskritization" of education, and other conventional
practices, all of which contribute to the perception of India as a
Hindu-centric country. The
BJP government actively support and encourage Hindutva groups like the RSS and
VHP, which serve as the movement's pillars of ideology. Hindutva supporters now
have a place to influence public opinion and to set extremist discourses.
Future
Prospects for the Kashmir Conflict under the Surge of Hindutva:
The BJP government's firm stance on Hindutva and national security may result in a more assertive and uncompromising approach to the Kashmir issue.[5] This might lead to stepped-up security operations and a harsher stance against the freedom-fighters groups in the area. By repealing Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in August 2019, the BJP-led Indian government ended Jammu and Kashmir's special autonomy.[6] Hindutva's resurgence may further solidify the government's stance on the Kashmir issue, making it less likely that they will change their minds or reinstate the prior situation.
Further attempts to settle Hindus in the Kashmir
Valley may also be encouraged by the rise of Hindutva, which could exacerbate
the region's demographic shifts. As a result, the local Kashmiri community may
become more resistant and tensions may rise. The region may see human rights
violations as a result of forceful policies. The spike of Hindutva may bring up
additional worries about how civilians are treated in the area. Human rights
violations during security operations in Kashmir have previously been a source
of worry. The future of the Kashmir conflict under the rise of Hindutva may
shift in unexpected ways, and it is important to remember that political
conditions and processes are dynamic. A close eye must be kept on the condition
in the area, and long-term remedies are necessary.
Recommendations
for the Promotion of Inclusivity and Peaceful Resolution of Kashmir:
The Indian government, Pakistan’s government, representatives from Jammu and Kashmir, and civil society groups should all engage in open and inclusive engagement with all other parties. The value of communication and bilateral peace talks would influence perceptions, which can improve understanding and empathy between parties. To foster trust and confidence among the local community, give the defense of human rights a high priority in Kashmir and deal with complaints resulting from prior events. To promote human rights in the area and enable peaceful negotiations, look for international mediation or aid from organizations like the United Nations. Take action to thwart misinformation and hate speech that sow the seeds of hatred. Encourage the telling of tales of harmony, coexistence, and respect. Explore innovative solutions and create bridges between contending parties by using track II diplomacy, which comprises informal, unofficial avenues of communication.
This can assist foster original
thought and ease tension. Develop responsive policies, transparent governance,
and honest efforts to address historical concerns in order to restore trust
between the government and the people of Kashmir. To resolve the Kashmir issue,
engage India in ongoing and significant diplomatic efforts. Cross-border
tensions must be resolved in order to advance regional peace and stability.
Regional collaboration and dialogue are essential for the peaceful resolution
of Kashmir issue. It is vital to acknowledge that bringing about a permanent
peace in Kashmir and battling the divisive ideology of Hindutva would not be
simple, and that advancement might be gradual. These recommendations ought to
be put into practice as a component of an all-encompassing, long-term plan that
gives inclusion, human rights, and Kashmiri people's aspirations top priority.
Additionally, every effort should be made with consideration, respect for
difference, and a sincere desire to end the protracted conflict peacefully.[7]
Findings:
Hindutva, a right-wing nationalist ideology founded on the promotion of Hindu identity, cultural values, and religious traditions, has become prominent in mainstream Indian politics and has had a considerable impact on numerous parts of the nation's culture. The rise of Hindutva has had a significant impact on the Kashmir issue, a long-standing territorial conflict between India and Pakistan. Hindutva's ascent can be attributed to its development as a reaction to British colonial rule, with leaders like Savarkar and Hedgewar seeking to solidify a single Hindu identity. Sociopolitical organizations like the BJP, RSS, and VHP helped the campaign acquire traction. Hindutva and development-oriented policies were combined to achieve this electoral triumph, which appealed to a wide range of voters and influenced perceptions of challenges to Hinduism.
The growth of the Hindutva movement has resulted in social polarization, division, and
targeting of minorities, particularly Muslims. Further supporting this idea are
the attempts made by the BJP-led administration to promote a Hindu national
identity through cultural nationalism. The tough attitude on Hindutva and
national security may lead to a more uncompromising approach in Kashmir,
aggravating demographic shifts and possibly leading to human rights violations.
The regional situation has already been changed by the cancellation of Article
370 in 2019. The article recognizes the difficulty of the task, highlighting
the need for persistent efforts, regional cooperation, and a sincere commitment
to resolving the conflict in a way that respects the rights and aspirations of
the Kashmiri people. It also highlights that achieving lasting peace and battling divisive ideologies will require these things.
Conclusion:
In
conclusion, the complex interactions between the emergence of Hindu nationalism
and the Kashmir conflict have significant ramifications for the stability of
the region and the socio-political structure of India. Hindutva's historical
development, which has been propelled by identity, historical trauma, and
political scheming, has widened social gaps. The government's support of
Hindutva has an impact on the Kashmir issue and could result in a more
aggressive approach and demographic shifts. To reduce conflict and build
enduring peace in the region, it is essential to advance inclusivity, human
rights, cross-border communication, and diplomatic efforts.
Bibliography:
1. Waseem Akram (R), Vice Admiral. “Hindutva
and Kashmir,” Hilal English, February
13, 2020, https://www.hilal.gov.pk/eng-article/detail/MzcxMg==.html
2. Anwar, Ali. “Kashmir and Modi’s Oppression,” Daily Times, July 31, 2023, https://dailytimes.com.pk/1118542/kashmir-and-modis-oppression/
3. Saghir, Arooj. “Kashmir- a practical manifestation of Hindutva,” The Express Tribune, November 02, 2022, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2384211/kashmir-a-practical-manifestation-of-hindutva
4. Sit, Ming Wai. “Hindu Nationalism and its impact on Kashmir,” Geopolitical Monitor, December 17, 2019, https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/hindu-nationalism-and-its-impact-on-kashmir/
5. Iqbal, Dr Rahat. “Hindutva- Indian Policy Towards Jammu and Kashmir,” Strafasia, July 22, 2020, https://strafasia.com/hindutva-indian-policy-towards-jammu-kashmir/
6. Sheikh, Fatima. “The Hindu Nationalist Agenda on Kashmir,” George Mason University 4400, (2020): 8, http://libjournals.unca.edu/ncur/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/3341-Sheikh-Fatima-FINAL-1.pdf
7. Dar, Hassan Nabi. “The Rise of Hindutva and its Impact on the Kashmir Conflict,” Institute for Policy Reforms, (2019): 18, https://ipr.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Rise-of-Hindutva-and-its-Impact-on-the-Kashmir-Conlfict-IPR-Revised.pdf
[1]
Vice Admiral Waseem Akram (R), “Hindutva and Kashmir,” Hilal English, February 13, 2020, https://www.hilal.gov.pk/eng-article/detail/MzcxMg==.html
[2]
Ali Anwar, “Kashmir and Modi’s Oppression,” Daily
Times, July 31, 2023, https://dailytimes.com.pk/1118542/kashmir-and-modis-oppression/
[3]
Arooj Saghir, “Kashmir- a practical manifestation of Hindutva,” The Express Tribune, November 02, 2022, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2384211/kashmir-a-practical-manifestation-of-hindutva
[4] Ming Wai Sit, “Hindu Nationalism and its impact on Kashmir,” Geopolitical Monitor, December 17, 2019, https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/hindu-nationalism-and-its-impact-on-kashmir/
[5]
Dr Rahat Iqbal, “Hindutva- Indian Policy Towards Jammu and Kashmir,” Strafasia, July 22, 2020, https://strafasia.com/hindutva-indian-policy-towards-jammu-kashmir/
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