Tag: Communalism

Communalism

Communalism is a phenomenon that arises from the interaction between religious or ethnic groups, where each group identifies primarily with its own religious or ethnic identity, leading to conflicts with other groups. In this sense, communalism can be seen as a form of identity-based politics. It is a complex social and political issue that has been experienced by many countries across the world, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, among others. It has been defined by scholars in different ways. One of the earliest definitions comes from the Indian sociologist B.R. Ambedkar, who described communalism as “the spirit of hostility between the different religious communities.” Another definition by the Indian political scientist Paul Brass defines it as “a situation where the primary and overarching identity of individuals and groups is defined by religion or religious affiliation, and where this religious identity is used to mobilize political support.”

Communalism is often associated with the idea of communal violence, where members of one community attack members of another community based on religious or ethnic differences. Communal violence can take various forms, including riots, massacres, and targeted attacks on individuals or groups. Communal violence can be triggered by a range of factors, including political tensions, economic competition, or historical grievances. In many cases, communal violence is instigated by political parties or leaders seeking to mobilize support among their own community. It has its roots in history, where religion and ethnicity have often played a significant role in shaping social and political identities. In India, for example, the caste system has been a key factor in defining social identities, with each caste often associated with a particular religion. The legacy of colonialism has also contributed to communalism, as colonial powers often sought to create divisions between different religious or ethnic groups to maintain their control.

Communalism in India

In India, communalism has been a persistent problem, with numerous incidents of communal violence over the years. The Partition of India in 1947, which led to the creation of Pakistan, was a traumatic event that resulted in the displacement of millions of people and the deaths of hundreds of thousands. The Partition was based on religious identity, with Muslims being allocated to Pakistan and Hindus to India. The process of Partition was marked by communal violence, with members of different communities attacking each other. Since then, communalism has continued to be a major issue in India. One of the most significant incidents of communal violence in recent times was the Gujarat riots of 2002, where members of the Hindu and Muslim communities engaged in violence that resulted in the deaths of over a thousand people, mostly Muslims. The riots were triggered by an incident in which a train carrying Hindu pilgrims was set on fire, killing 59 people. The incident was blamed on Muslim militants, and members of the Hindu community retaliated by attacking Muslims in various parts of the state.

Communalism in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, communalism has been a major issue for several decades, with the country experiencing a long-running civil war between the majority Sinhalese community and the Tamil minority. The conflict was fueled by ethnic and religious differences, with the Tamils being predominantly Hindu and the Sinhalese being predominantly Buddhist. The conflict resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.

Communalism in Pakistan

In Pakistan, communalism has also been a significant issue, with the country experiencing numerous incidents of sectarian violence over the years. The country has a large Shia minority, and members of the Shia community have often been targeted by Sunni militants. In recent years, there has also been a rise in violence against religious minorities such as Christians and Hindus.

One of the key challenges posed by communalism is how to balance the interests and identity of different groups within a society. In many cases, communalism has led to violence and instability, as different communities compete for resources, power, and influence. However, there are also many examples of societies that have managed to balance the interests and identity of different groups, and to build inclusive and pluralistic societies that celebrate diversity and promote social cohesion. To address communalism, policymakers and civil society organizations must work to promote greater social and economic equality, to combat corruption and political exclusion, and to promote intercommunal dialogue and understanding. This can involve a range of different strategies, from affirmative action programs and targeted development initiatives to cultural exchange programs and grassroots dialogue initiatives.

To sum up, communalism is a complicated, diverse phenomena that can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It is possible to combat communalism by a variety of policy and civil society actions, despite the fact that it can represent serious threats to social stability and cohesion. Ultimately, the solution to defeating communalism and establishing a more tranquil and wealthier world is to construct open and pluralistic societies that respect difference and advance social justice.

Communalism

Communalism can be defined as an ideology stating the division of states on the Basis of ethnicity, religion, believes, values etc. The difference of two or more religious, Ethnic and social communities can sometimes produce clashes in the Society.

Communalism is a theory of government in which autonomous play song communities from Confederations. Communalism as a historical method follows the development of communities. It is a political trade in religion and an ideology On which communal politics is based. Communal Violence is conjectural consequence of communal ideology. Communalism has a major effect on the public it tends 2 separate people based on religion, language, territory, and ethnic origins. It leads to communal riots, Curfew situations, and can even cause terrorist activities. A communal Thought always tends to Establish political dominance Over a particular religious community. The country weakens when Political parties are formed and political activities are conducted on communal lines. The most negative impact of Communalism is riots, violence, and homicides. Communalism is a significant social issue in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

When it comes to India, communal conflicts between religious communities in the country have Occurred since the period of British colonial rule, occasionally leading to serious inter communal Violence. Communalism is not just unique to South Asia as it can also be found in countries like Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

The rising movement of communalism and the coexistence with violence have created a insecurity feeling between religious minorities among them Muslims, Sikhs and Christians in particular has feared of discrimination and confrontation in the coming days.

To prevent damages of the peace and integrity of the nation. It has many ways needed to analyse and debate the problem of communalism and communal violence. It’s became an absolute importance to be define communalism between people and also made equally pertinent to discovery of ‘commu-nal’.

The major factors towards the emergence and growth of communalism in modern India involves:

  • Indian Britishers create a new policy during the Indian colonial is ‘Divide and Rule’ this made division between two countries.
  • The disappointments and frustration among younger generations and aspiring middle class of youths, caused by static agriculture, absence of modern industrial development and inadequate employment opportunities, which is exploited by political opportunists.
  • Hindu and Muslim revivalist movements.
  • A communal and distorted view of Indian history, taught in school and colleges played a major role in rise and growth of communal feelings among the masses.
  • The separatism and isolation between religious communities.
  • The rise of communal and fundamentalist parties.

Factors that responsible for Communal Violence:

  • Politics division – Communalism is often defined as a political perspective that makes use of religious and cultural differences in achieving a political gains.
  • Economy problems – Uneven development, class divisions, poverty and unemployment aggravates insecurity in the common men which make them vulnerable to political manipulation.
  • History of Communal Riots – Probability of recurrence of communal riots in a town where communal riots have already taken place once or twice is stronger than in a town when such riots have never occurred.
  • Politics of Appeasement – Prompted by political considerations, and guided by their vested interests, political parties take decisions which promote communal violence.
  • Isolation and Economic Backwardness of minority religion Community – The failure to adopt the scientific and technological education and thus, insufficient representation in the public service, industry and trade etc has led to the feeling of relative deprivation among minorities.
  • The resurgence of religious economic competition, especially among the lower and middle class strata has fuelled the communal ideology.
  • The lack of Administrative – A weak law and order is one of the causes of communal violence.
  • Psychology problem between communities – The lack of inter-personal trust and mutual understanding between two communities often result in perception of threat, harassment, fear and danger in one community against the members of the other community , which in turn leads to fight, hatred and anger phobia.
  • Role of Media – It is often accused of sensationalism and disseminates rumours as “news” which sometimes resulted into further tension and riots between two rival religious groups.
  • Social media has also emerged as a powerful medium to spread messages relating to communal tension or riot in any part of the country.

Measures to Deal with Communalism

There is need to reform in present criminal justice system, speedy trials and adequate compensation to the victims, may act as deterrent.

Increase in representation of minority community and weaker sections in all wings of law-enforcement, training of forces in human rights, especially in the use of firearms in accordance with UN code of conduct.

Codified guidelines for the administration, specialised training for the police force to handle communal riots and setting up special investigating and prosecuting agencies can help in damping major communal disgruntlement.

Emphasis on value-oriented education with focus on the values of peace, non-violence, compassion, secularism and humanism as well as developing scientific temper (enshrined as a fundamental duty) and rationalism as core values in children both in schools and colleges/universities, can prove vital in preventing communal feelings.

Government can adopt models followed by countries like Malaysia that has developed early-warning indicators to prevent racial clashes.

The Malaysian Ethnic Relations Monitoring System (known by its acronym Mesra) that makes use of a quality of life index (included criteria such as housing, health, income and education) and a perception index to gauge people’s needs and feelings about race relations in their area.

Also the Hong Kong model of combating communalism by setting up a “Race Relation Unit” to promote racial harmony and facilitate integration of ethnic minorities, can be emulated by India.

RRU has established a hotline for complaints and inquiries on racial discrimination. Meanwhile, to create awareness about communal harmony, RRU talks to schools on culture of ethnic minorities and concept of racial discrimination.

Government can encourage and support civil society and NGOs to run projects that help create communal awareness, build stronger community relation and cultivating values of communal harmony in next generation.

There is a need for minority welfare schemes to be launched and implemented efficiently by administration to address the challenges and various forms of discrimination faced by them in jobs, housing and daily life.

A pro-active approach by National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), the body responsible for promoting communal harmony is needed.

NFCH provides assistance for the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the child victims of communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence, besides promoting communal harmony, fraternity and national integration.

A legislation is required to curb the communal violence. Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005 must be enacted soon.

The enormous scope and changes for transformation due to our new generation and their progressive of the countries. The new generation can give new hopes and changes towards the making of new India which would help to free from all kinds of communal and caste conflicts, prejudices, hatred and discrimination, this may not possible through law but it can help us to have positive efforts of the new generation.