The Citizen Initiative (CI) vehemently condemns the appalling and unprovoked attacks on mosques and Muslim communities by extremist Hindutva mobs during the Hindu Holi festival in India. Reports detail the vandalization of multiple mosques and the brutalization of numerous Muslims, while law enforcement reportedly failed to intervene effectively to protect the victims.

This targeted violence constitutes a flagrant violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), to which India is a signatory. The UDHR enshrines fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, equality before the law, and protection from violence and discrimination. The alleged inaction of law enforcement in preventing these attacks and holding perpetrators accountable raises grave concerns about potential state complicity and the alarming degradation of democratic principles in India.

CI demands that the Indian government immediately apprehend and prosecute those responsible for these heinous crimes and guarantee the safety and security of all religious communities. We further implore the international community, including the United Nations, human rights organizations, and global leaders, to urgently address this escalating violence and exert pressure on India to uphold the rule of law, safeguard its Muslim citizens, and prevent further atrocities.

Religious intolerance and hate-fueled violence are anathema to any just society. The world must unite in opposition to such acts of terror and ensure that justice prevails.

Best regards

Taib Ahmed

General Secretary

Citizen Initiative

Instructor and PhD Candidate

Colorado State University

Dr. Hasan Mahmud

Chairman

Citizen Initiative

Assistant Professor

Northwestern University, Qatar