Communal Violence | 24 Oct 2024

Source: TH

Why in News? 

Recently, communal violence erupted in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, during a religious procession, leading to death and multiple injuries. The situation has prompted increased police presence and actions to maintain order.

What is Communal Violence?

• About:  
  • The Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines communal violence as any act that promotes enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and does acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony. 
• BNS Provisions on Communal Violence:  
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 196 aims to prevent and punish actions that promote enmity and hatred between different groups based on various grounds. 
  •  It seeks to maintain social harmony by penalizing such acts with imprisonment and fines, especially when these actions occur in places of worship or during religious gatherings.

What are the Causes of Communal Violence in India?  

• Political Factors: 
  • Political parties often exploit communal sentiments to gain electoral advantages, using communal polarization as a strategy to retain power.  
  • Ineffective political institutions exacerbate this issue by failing to prevent or address communal conflicts, leading to a culture of impunity for offenders. 
• Social Dynamics: 
  • Deep-rooted prejudices and stereotypes hinder inter-community trust. 
  • The influence of extremist groups exacerbates communal tensions. 
  • Religious symbols are manipulated to incite communal hatred. 
• Economic Factors: 
  • Competition for limited resources fosters conflict between communities. 
  • Marginalized groups often perceive systemic discrimination. 
• Cultural Conflicts: 
  • Divergent values and lifestyles contribute to friction. Cultural pluralism faces challenges from rising religious conservatism. 
  • Sacred sites often become flashpoints for cultural appropriation or desecration. 
• Lack of Education and Awareness: 
  • Widespread misinformation breeds mistrust, making communities susceptible to violence. 

What are the Impacts of Communal Violence in India?

• Loss of Human Lives: Communal violence results in significant loss of life, tearing apart families and communities. This loss creates enduring scars that affect social dynamics for generations. 
• Destruction of Property: Homes, businesses, and places of worship are often destroyed, leading to substantial economic losses. Such destruction disrupts livelihoods and damages community infrastructure. 
• Social Disintegration: Communal violence weakens social cohesion, eroding trust and unity among communities. Long-standing relationships can become strained or severed, resulting in divided societies. 
• Economic Setbacks: Violence leads to resource diversion and creates an unfavorable investment climate. Economic activities are disrupted, hindering growth and development. 
• Psychological and Political Impact: Survivors experience trauma, anxiety, and depression, affecting their mental well-being. Politically, communal violence undermines democracy, the rule of law, and can contribute to authoritarianism and increased corruption.

What Are the Solution to Prevent Communal Violence?

• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Enhance laws to address hate speech and communal violence, ensuring strict enforcement and accountability for perpetrators. 
  • The State Level Integration Committee, along with district administration, plays a crucial role in maintaining communal harmony by monitoring potential communal tensions and ensuring timely intervention.  
• Promoting Inter-Community Dialogue: Facilitate discussions between different communities to foster understanding, trust, and collaboration, reducing misconceptions. 
  • Interfaith marriages can promote social harmony by bridging cultural, religious, and societal divides. 
• Community Engagement Initiatives: Involve local communities in peacebuilding efforts through awareness programs and community-driven conflict resolution strategies. 
• Proactive Monitoring and Response: Establish State Level Integration Committees to monitor tensions and coordinate timely interventions by district administration. 
• Awareness Programs: Implement educational initiatives to promote secular values and tolerance, targeting schools and community organizations. 

Read More: What are the Causes of Communal Violence in India?