What is “Love Jihad”
The term “love jihad” is a baseless and controversial concept suggesting that Muslim men lure Hindu women into romantic relationships to convert them to Islam. There is no credible evidence to support this notion. Hindu extremists often use this term to incite hatred and violence against Muslims, creating communal tensions and spreading fear among different communities. Such narratives have been used to falsely accuse and persecute Muslim individuals, leading to social discord and unjust treatment.
Background and the Accusations
At the heart of this push by Hindutva groups was the allegation that two men, one of them Muslim, had tried to abduct a 14-year-old girl under the “ruse of marriage” and convert her to Islam.
The campaign kicked off an anti-Muslim frenzy across the Uttarkashi district, where Purola is located, as Hindutva outfits accused the two men – 22-year-old Uvaid Khan and his 24-year-old friend Jitendra Saini – of “love jihad”.
Khan and Saini were not only booked for kidnapping and procurement of a minor under sections of the Indian Penal Code but also for sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, or Pocso.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which governs the state, stirred up the communal pot with insinuations about “outsiders from a certain community” swamping the hills.
Jitendra Saini (left) and Uvaid Khan. Photos from Instagram.
The Main Conspiracy
Halim Baig, the advocate for Khan and Saini, revealed that both men moved back to Bijnor following the incident. Baig suggested that the story of the alleged abduction seemed like a conspiracy, as Khan’s family ran a successful business in Purola, which many resented.
In June 2023, it was reported that anti-Muslim rhetoric in Purola was fueled by a WhatsApp group of local traders and shopkeepers, including journalist Anil Aswal. The minor’s uncle claimed Aswal encouraged him to file a fake “love jihad” complaint, which he refused. Despite this, Aswal published a story framing the incident as “love jihad.”
Aswal’s narrative incited the traders to take action against Muslims in Purola. The hostility was echoed by BJP leaders, with Purola MLA Durgeshwar Lal and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condemning “love jihad.” The court eventually dismissed the charges, but the damage was done.
Zahid Malik, a long-time cloth shop owner in Purola, had to relocate to Dehradun after the protests, resulting in significant financial loss. Malik’s business in Dehradun struggled, and he incurred substantial debt, illustrating the devastating impact of the incident on local Muslim families.
Court Findings: The Hoax Exposed
When the accusations were brought to court, the judiciary found no substantial evidence to support the claims of “love jihad.” Testimonies and investigations revealed that the incidents cited were either exaggerated or completely fabricated. This judicial intervention not only cleared the accused but also highlighted the role of false narratives in inciting communal discord.
The court’s judgement raises questions over the role of the police in whipping up the hysteria against Muslims. During the trial, the 14-year-old girl told the court that the police had tutored her to accuse Khan and Saini of trying to abduct her.
The court also found inconsistencies in the statement of the sole eyewitness in the case – Aashish Chunar, a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The Impact on the Muslim Community
The baseless accusations had severe consequences for the local Muslim population. Families were forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods due to fear of violence and persecution. The social fabric of the town was significantly damaged, with trust between communities eroded.
The Role of Media and Political Entities
On May 31, the Times of India reported an alleged “love jihad” case in Purola involving two young men, one from a minority community. They were accused of trying to elope with a Hindu girl on May 26. The girl, a minor orphan looked after by her uncle and aunt, was reportedly abducted by the men, Khan and Saini. This incident led to large protests by Hindutva groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan, who labeled the men as “jihadis”.
Pawan Nautiyal, the general secretary of the BJP in Uttarkashi, mobilized local Hindu traders against Muslims, claiming they mislead and abduct Hindu women. Television channels like India TV and News18 UP Uttarakhand sensationalized the issue, suggesting a rise in “love jihad” cases. As a result, Muslim families in Purola faced threats and many temporarily or permanently left the town for safety.
Following the incident, Khan and Saini were jailed. However, in July last year, a district and sessions court judge in Uttarkashi granted them bail when media attention subsided. This incident underscores the dangerous impact of communal narratives and the media’s role in fueling tensions.
Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
The court’s dismissal of the “love jihad” case in Uttarakhand serves as a critical reminder of the destructive power of false narratives. It emphasizes the need for legal and social safeguards to protect minorities from such baseless accusations. Building communal harmony requires concerted efforts from all sections of society, including the media, political leaders, and community influencers.
Conclusion
The exposure of the “love jihad” hoax in Uttarakhand is a significant development in the ongoing battle against communalism in India. It highlights the urgent need for truth and justice to prevail over divisive and unfounded narratives. Strengthening legal frameworks and promoting social awareness can help protect vulnerable communities and foster a more inclusive and harmonious society.
For more details, please refer to the full article on Scroll.in: Love jihad drove out Muslims from an Uttarakhand town. In court, it turned out to be a hoax.