Communalism Violence

Definition and Example

• 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.
• Prominent incidents of communal violence in Indian history that the Noakhali riots of 1946, the Partition riots of 1947, the Babri Masjid demolition of 1992.

Reasons

1. Political Reasons
   • Divide and rule politics initiating by political parties as part of electoral polarisation by use of communal sentiments.
   • For example – Gujarat Riots (2006)
2. Social Reasons
   • The existence of deep-rooted prejudices and stereotypes against different communities.
   • The influence of extremist groups and organizations that propagate communal hatred and violence.
   • For example – Bombay riots (1989)
3. Economic Reasons
   • The competition for scarce resources and opportunities among different communities.
   • The perception of relative deprivation or discrimination among marginalized groups.
   • For example – Manipur Riots
4. Fake News
   • Misinformation can spread easily, deepening mistrust and misunderstanding, and eventually contributing to the eruption of communal violence.
   • For example – Nuh riots 

Impacts of Communal Violence in India

1. Loss of Human Lives
   • The loss of human life is one of the most tragic effects of communal violence. The tragedy of lives cut short tears apart people, families, and even communities, creating scars that endure for generations.
2. Economic Loss
   • Homes, businesses, and places of worship are destroyed as a result of communal violence.
   • This devastation may cause large economic losses that have an impact on people’s and communities’ quality of life.
   • Investors may be reluctant to make investments in violent areas, which could disrupt economic activity and sabotage development initiatives, impeding growth and advancement.
3. Cultural Loss
   • The breakdown or weakening of social cohesion, tolerance, solidarity, etc., among different communities.
4. Psychological Impact
   • Violence against the community causes more than just bodily suffering.
   • Psychological anguish, anxiety, and depression are common among survivors, which has an impact on their general well-being and capacity to lead rewarding lives.
5. Political Impact
   • The erosion or subversion of democracy, secularism, rule of law, justice, etc., in India. 
   • The loss of legitimacy and credibility of political institutions and actors.
   • The increase in corruption, nepotism, patronage, violence, etc., in political processes. The rise or resurgence of authoritarianism, populism, nationalism, communalism, etc.