Indian society has the moral strength and wisdom to defeat communal forces, says JIH officials
NEW DELHI — Expressing grave concern over rising communal polarisation, targeted violence against minorities, and growing winter distress among the poor, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has warned that India’s long-standing tradition of coexistence and social harmony is under serious threat. The organisation also made a fervent appeal to its Hindu brethren to rein in “rogue elements” that, it said, are damaging the country’s image globally.
Addressing the organisation’s monthly press conference at its headquarters here on Saturday, JIH Vice President Prof Salim Engineer said India’s religious and cultural diversity had historically been a source of unity, but increasing communal rhetoric, Islamophobia, hate speech, mob lynching and religious discrimination were steadily eroding that legacy.
Quoting the South Asia Justice Campaign’s India Persecution Tracker 2025, Engineer said the report documents a “sharp escalation in state and non-state abuses against religious minorities, particularly Muslims,” including mob violence, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, punitive demolitions, rampant hate speech and forced deportations. He added that violence intensified following a major terror incident, leading to reprisals, mass arrests under cow protection and security laws, and heavy casualties among Adivasis during counter-insurgency operations.
“Certain forces are misusing religion for political gains by deepening divisions between communities,” Engineer said expressing confidence that Indian society has the moral strength and wisdom to defeat communal forces.
Highlighting JIH’s peace-building efforts, he said initiatives such as Dharmik Jan Morcha and Sadbhavna Manch have played an important role in fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding. He announced that the organisation has declared 2026 as the “Year of Justice, Peace, Unity and Inclusive Sustainable Development for All,” aimed at strengthening social harmony, justice and equal citizenship.
Responding to a question on the open distribution of sharp weapons, including swords, allegedly by Hindutva groups, Engineer said, “We appeal to our Hindu brethren to take serious note of such subversive activities by rogue elements who are harming the image of the country globally. They should come forward to rein in these anti-national elements.”
Adding to this, another JIH Vice President Malik Motasim Khan drew attention to the recent distribution of flowers by Muslims in Lucknow, describing it as a symbolic gesture aimed at conveying a message of peace, harmony and love.
On the occasion, he also highlighted the humanitarian impact of severe winter conditions, particularly on the homeless and economically vulnerable. He said the organisation, in collaboration with partner groups, is conducting blanket distribution drives across northern and eastern India. “Assistance is provided without discrimination on the basis of religion, caste or background,” he said.
Khan urged the Union and state governments to expand night shelters, distribute warm clothing, provide hot meals, deploy mobile health units and strengthen early warning systems during cold waves. He also appealed to citizens to volunteer and contribute donations to ensure that no one is left exposed during extreme winter conditions.
Raising alarm over increasing attacks on Christian communities, Khan said incidents such as disruptions of prayer meetings, burial-related disputes and the misuse of anti-conversion laws were creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. “We stand in solidarity with the Christian community in this hour of crisis,” he said.
He also condemned the lynching of Anjel Chakma, an MBA student from Tripura, describing it as a hate crime rooted in racial prejudice against people from the Northeast. Calling for swift justice, Khan urged the Uttarakhand government to ensure immediate arrests, invoke stringent legal provisions, protect witnesses and survivors, and provide compensation to the victim’s family.
“India urgently needs a comprehensive national law against racial and hate-based violence,” he said, stressing the principles of human dignity, equality and justice.
Senior JIH leaders also called for wider societal introspection, warning of growing intellectual, moral and economic challenges. They highlighted declining ethical values, rising inequality, misinformation and the weakening of constitutional principles, which they said were contributing to increased pressure on Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis and Christians.
Both leaders appealed for unity, education, responsible use of resources and youth engagement to make 2026 a year of peace, justice and inclusive progress.
