After sword distribution in Ghaziabad, hate speech in Punjab’s Ludhiana causes alarm among Muslims
LUDHIANA — After the recent sword distribution incident in Ghaziabad, fresh threats against Muslims have now surfaced in Ludhiana in Punjab, increasing fear among minorities and raising serious questions about the growing spread of hate speeches by leaders linked to Hindu organisations.
On December 22, a leader associated with a Hindutva group addressed a public meeting in Ludhiana and made violent and abusive remarks against Muslims. A video of the speech later went viral on social media, causing outrage and deep concern among Muslim groups.
During the speech, the leader openly called for violence. He was heard saying, “When every Bajrang Dal leader comes out with weapons, we will crush the Mullahs.” The use of such language has been widely condemned by civil society members, who say it openly encourages attacks on a religious community.
In his address, the speaker referred to violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and used it to provoke anger against Indian Muslims. From the stage, he said the Indian government should stop supplies to Bangladesh and added, “If they do not agree, then Bangladesh should be broken into four parts.”
He also claimed that the government lacked courage to protect Hindus and said, “The government should show strength to protect Hindus.” Muslim leaders and rights groups have said such statements unfairly blame Indian Muslims for events in another country.
The most alarming part of the speech came when the leader spoke about religious practices. He announced plans to set up Hanuman Chalisa centres in villages and said these would be used to counter Muslim Friday prayers.
He said from the stage, “If Hanuman Chalisa centres are built in every village, Hindus will be protected. This will stop the Friday activities.” The remark directly targeted Muslim worship and was seen as an attempt to provoke religious tension.
The speaker went further and claimed, “Lakhs of people will recite Hanuman Chalisa, and this talk of Jihad and separatism on Fridays will be stopped.”
These remarks have shocked many and created fear among Muslim families in the region.
The leader also made sweeping and threatening claims about large parts of India. He said, “The day is not far when western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and eastern India will be destroyed.” He added that Hindus would be killed in Bengal, again without evidence.
Muslim community members say such speeches are meant to spread panic and hatred. A local Muslim resident in Ludhiana said, “We are Indian citizens. We have nothing to do with Bangladesh. These threats make us fear for our lives.”
The Ludhiana incident comes soon after a disturbing event in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. On Monday, members of Hindu Raksha Dal openly displayed and distributed swords in the Shalimar Garden area.
Stalls were set up where sharp weapons were handed out, and activists went door to door, asking people to keep weapons at home. They reportedly told residents to use them “for protection against Jihadis” and claimed that such people were roaming in India as well.
They cited the killing of Dipu Das and other Hindus in Bangladesh and said, “Every home should have weapons.” The open display of arms caused panic in the area.
After receiving information, police from three stations reached the spot in Ghaziabad. Ten people were arrested, and an FIR was registered under the 7th Criminal Law Amendment against 16 named and 25 to 30 unidentified persons.
A senior police officer said, “Strict action has been taken. No one will be allowed to spread fear or distribute weapons.”
However, in Ludhiana, Muslims say they are still waiting for strong action. A community elder said, “Such speeches are clear calls for murder. If no action is taken, it sends a dangerous message.”
Muslim organisations have demanded immediate action against those spreading hate. They say selective silence only adds to fear.
A rights activist in Punjab said, “Open threats to kill Muslims and attacks on Friday prayers cannot be treated lightly. The law must be the same for all.”
As these incidents unfold, Indian Muslims say they are being pushed into fear in their own country, while those spreading hate continue to speak openly. The situation has once again raised serious concerns about safety, justice, and equal protection under the law.
