The rights group links inflammatory speeches, weapons training camps and festival violence to warning signs of mass atrocity; Muslim leaders urge restraint
NEW DELHI — The Genocide Watch has raised serious concerns about what it describes as the “Preparation” stage of genocide unfolding in India, pointing to rising anti-Muslim rhetoric, weapons training camps run by Hindutva groups, and repeated incidents of violence during religious processions.
Genocide Watch is a non-governmental organisation based in Washington, DC, which campaigns against genocide and the various stages leading up to genocide. It was founded by Gregory Stanton in 1999.
In the seventh part of its Ten Stages of Genocide series on India, the organisation states that “Preparation” is the stage when leaders plan mass killings, often using coded or indirect language. It says genocidal plans are usually masked through terms such as “self-defence” or “counterterrorism”, and are supported by the arming and mobilisation of militias.
The report, released on Monday, argues that similar patterns are visible in India, where some Hindutva leaders have publicly called for violence against Muslims. It claims that extremist groups encourage the formation of armed camps and promote conspiracy theories portraying Muslims as a threat to Hindu society.
Arms Training and Mobilisation
The report names organisations such as the Bajrang Dal, alleging that they have organised “self-defence camps” where young Hindu men are trained in the use of weapons. It also refers to events where trishuls — sharpened tridents with religious significance in Hinduism — are distributed among participants who take oaths to “protect Hindu society, women, cows and saints”.
Genocide Watch says such mobilisation reflects organised preparation for targeted violence.
The report further states that inflammatory speeches at rallies have increased since 2014, when Narendra Modi became prime minister. It highlights a speech delivered in 2023 by T Raja Singh, a suspended BJP legislator from Telangana, who allegedly threatened violence against Muslim men in the context of the “Love Jihad” conspiracy theory.
“‘If any circumcised [Muslim] indulges in Love Jihad, oh son, you are half-cut, we will cut you completely,’” Singh was quoted as saying at a rally.
The “Love Jihad” narrative claims that Muslim men deliberately marry Hindu women to convert them to Islam. Critics describe it as an unfounded conspiracy theory used to fuel communal tensions.
Violence During Religious Festivals
The organisation also points to violence during Ram Navami processions in recent years. It notes that in 2023, when Ram Navami coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, clashes were reported in at least seven states.
According to the report, armed processions passed through Muslim neighbourhoods in states including West Bengal, Gujarat and Maharashtra. There were reports of properties and mosques being damaged. Both police personnel and civilians were injured.
The group alleges that in some cases, police action disproportionately targeted Muslim residents.
Photographs from Ram Navami rallies show participants carrying swords and other weapons. Critics argue that such displays contribute to fear among minority communities.
Online Hate and Kashmir Attack
Genocide Watch also refers to the 2025 terrorist attack in India-administered Kashmir in which 25 tourists and a local guide were killed. It states that soon after the attack, videos and songs appeared on social media calling for revenge against Muslims. The content reportedly received large numbers of views.
The organisation says such digital messaging plays a role in inciting hostility and normalising violence.
Genocide Watch has issued a series of recommendations. It has urged the Indian government to dismantle what it calls Hindutva arms training camps and to take firm action against lawmakers who support violence.
It has also called on social media companies operating in India to remove hate speech and incitement to violence. Additionally, it has urged international bodies, including the US Congress, the European Parliament and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to raise concerns about the situation.
The organisation has further recommended the repeal of anti-conversion and anti-cow slaughter laws, arguing that such legislation contributes to discrimination.
Call for Restraint
Dr Tasleem Rahmani, President of the Muslim Political Council of India, said calls targeting Muslims are not new in Indian history.
Speaking to Clarion India, he said: “Call for Muslim genocide is as old as 150 years. In 1882, a Bengali language novel Anandi Math written by BC Chatterjee, gave this call. This is the same novel that contains the Indian national song Vande Mataram, which mentions Devi Durga. That is why Muslims objected to this song and the present government insists on making its singing compulsory.”
He added that attempts to marginalise Muslims had occurred at different stages of Indian history but had not succeeded.
“Having such an old history of genocidal calls and attempts in this direction at various stages of Indian history in pre- and post-independent India have failed. Now again, such an attempt is in the making through weaponising ruling might at their side,” he said.
However, Rahmani questioned whether genocide was realistically possible in India’s diverse society.
“Given India’s vivid demography and ideological diversity, cultural orientations, political differences, religious diversities and geographical vastness, such a genocide doesn’t seem possible,” he said.
He also expressed reservations about foreign assessments.
“Groups like Genocide Watch, which has a European background, may not have a full understanding of the ground realities of the diverse Indian society. It is actually a strong shield to stop any such genocide,” he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged growing tensions.
“Undoubtedly, hardcore Hindutva has succeeded in creating a vast divide among Indian society on the religious and cultural front. Of course, intolerance and hatred have risen to a dangerous level. It may rise further in times to come. Still, the democratic polity and race to win elections in this multi-party democracy cannot afford a devastated society,” Rahmani said.
Wider Debate
The Genocide Watch report has added to ongoing debates over communal relations in India. Supporters of the government reject claims that the country is moving towards mass violence, arguing that India remains a functioning democracy with an independent judiciary and regular elections.
Human rights groups, however, have repeatedly expressed concern over hate speech, mob violence, and discrimination targeting Muslims.
The Indian government has previously stated that law and order is primarily a state subject and that action is taken against those who incite violence, regardless of religion.
As tensions continue to surface during religious events and on social media platforms, community leaders from different backgrounds have called for calm and responsible speech.
The coming months are likely to test whether political leadership, law enforcement and civil society can reduce communal tensions and rebuild trust between communities in one of the world’s most diverse democracies.
