Communal violence has erupted in Gujarat, India, targeting Muslim communities in the cities of Bharuch and Surat. The unrest began when extremist Hindu groups opposed the installation of flags and banners celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Muslim-majority areas.
The violence led to several injuries, including among women and children, and resulted in the arrest of 27 individuals, most of whom are Muslims. Attackers, armed with sticks and rods, chanted “Jai Shri Ram” while setting fire to motorcycles and property owned by Muslims. The situation worsened when some Eid Milad-un-Nabi flags were forcibly removed, escalating tensions and spreading violence to other areas, including Surat.
Local police have faced criticism for allegedly siding with the attackers and arresting Muslims rather than the perpetrators. Earlier this year, authorities in western India began investigating an incident involving far-right Hindu nationalists attacking foreign university students observing prayers during Ramazan.
The violence at Gujarat University involved confrontations between a group of 20-25 individuals and students from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan, leading to stone-pelting and vandalism. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that at least two foreign students were injured.
In response, the state government pledged strict action against those responsible. This incident adds to a series of communal clashes in India, reflecting growing religious polarization under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government. Analysts have raised concerns over increasing intolerance and inter-religious tensions, especially as the BJP pursues divisive policies ahead of the national election. Other incidents, such as the placement of saffron flags on a Christian church in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, highlight the deepening religious divide.
