Maharashtra topped the list with 17 incidents, followed by Uttar Pradesh (13), Uttarakhand (6), Haryana (6), Rajasthan (5), Madhya Pradesh (5), Himachal Pradesh (5), Bihar (4), and Chhattisgarh (2)
NEW DELHI — Seizing the opportunity to spread hate against the minority community and to promote communal violence post-Pahalgam tragedy, rabid Hindutva organisations have reportedly organised 64 events across nine states targeting Muslims.
A recent report by India Hate Lab (IHL) titled ‘64 Anti-Muslim Hate Speech Events Recorded in 10 Days Post Pahalgam Attack,’ has documented in-person hate speech events held between April 22 and May 2 across nine states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. With 17 incidents, Maharashtra topped the list, followed by Uttar Pradesh (13), Uttarakhand (6), Haryana (6), Rajasthan (5), Madhya Pradesh (5), Himachal Pradesh (5), Bihar (4), and Chhattisgarh (2).
In a coordinated campaign, the far-right Hindu groups exploited the Pahalgam attack and targeted the Muslim community at large. According to the IHL report, the rallies were primarily organised by Hindu organisations, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP), Rashtriya Bajrang Dal (RBD), Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Sakal Hindu Samaj, Hindu Rashtra Sena, and Hindu Raksha Dal.
These groups initiated the hate campaign to stir communal tensions and promote violence, exclusion, and economic boycotts, says the report.
The IHL report highlights the use of highly inflammatory and dehumanising language during these events, with Muslims being described as “green snakes,” “piglets,” “keede” (insects), and “mad dogs.” In numerous instances, speakers reportedly incited violence and called for the expulsion of Muslims from local communities.
Between April 23 and 29, multiple such gatherings were held in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Far-right leaders—including BJP MLA Nandkishor Gurjar — and members of affiliated groups delivered speeches encouraging social and economic boycotts, urging Hindus to take up arms, and spreading conspiracies linking Indian Muslims to Pakistan and Bangladesh.
