By | March 9, 2024
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In a recent incident in Telangana, Mahashivratri devotees were subjected to police lathicharge, sparking a debate on double standards when it comes to religious freedom in India. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media by journalist Swati Goel Sharma, raised questions about the treatment of Hindus compared to Muslims in the country.

The video showed police officers using batons to disperse a group of Hindu devotees who had gathered to celebrate Mahashivratri. The devotees, who were peacefully conducting their prayers, were shocked by the sudden violence unleashed upon them. Many of them were injured in the lathicharge, leading to widespread outrage among the Hindu community.

What was particularly concerning about this incident was the lack of condemnation from the authorities and the media. Despite the clear violation of the devotees’ right to practice their religion peacefully, there was little attention paid to the incident in the mainstream news. This raised questions about the selective outrage and bias prevalent in the country when it comes to religious minorities.

The incident also highlighted the growing trend of Islamophobia in India, where Muslims are often targeted for practicing their faith in public spaces. The comparison made by Swati Goel Sharma in her tweet about the treatment of Hindus and Muslims in similar situations sparked a much-needed conversation about religious freedom and tolerance in the country.

The tweet pointed out the hypocrisy of labeling any action against Muslims as ‘Islamophobia,’ while turning a blind eye to similar injustices faced by Hindus. It called for a more inclusive and equitable approach to religious freedom, where all communities are treated with respect and dignity.

The incident in Telangana is just one example of the larger problem of religious discrimination and intolerance in India. Despite being a secular country, India has seen a rise in communal tensions and violence in recent years, with minorities often bearing the brunt of the hostility.

It is crucial for the authorities and the media to address these issues head-on and take concrete steps to promote religious harmony and tolerance. The right to practice one’s religion peacefully is a fundamental human right that should be protected and respected by all.

As the debate around religious freedom in India continues to grow, it is important for all citizens to stand up against discrimination and bigotry in all its forms. Only by working together to create a more inclusive and harmonious society can we ensure that incidents like the one in Telangana are not repeated in the future.

In conclusion, the incident in Telangana serves as a stark reminder of the importance of religious freedom and tolerance in a diverse and multicultural society like India. It is imperative for all stakeholders to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where all communities can coexist peacefully and respectfully. Only then can we truly call ourselves a nation that celebrates diversity and embraces unity in all its forms..

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swati_gs said When police lathicharge Hindus, like these Mahashivratri devotees in Telangana, nothing is wrong with the world. But if namazis are pushed away from main road to inside the mosques, then it is ‘Islamophobia in India’ and concern of the entire world?

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