Love Jihad, a term coined by Hindu Extremism, has become a weapon to incite suspicion and violence against Indian Muslims. In the research article “Special Guest Contribution: Is Love without Borders Possible?” by Tanika Sarkar (2018), the focus lies on the strategic use of Love Jihad campaigns to assert Hindu extremism and its implications on social hierarchies. By delving into the characteristics of Hindutva and examining specific episodes of Love Jihad attacks, this research brings to light the potential consequences of these campaigns on individuals and society.
The Hindutva Organisational and Ideological Apparatus
Hindutva is an ideological framework and a political movement that seeks to establish India as a Hindu nation. The movement is characterized by its nationalist fervor and the belief in a Hindu cultural and political identity. It operates through various organizations, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), which provide a foundation for implementing its objectives.
Love Jihad: A Strategy to Assert Hindu Extremism
To solidify its extremist agenda, Hindutva has launched anti-Love Jihad campaigns, branding interfaith relationships as a threat to Hindu society. These campaigns aim to create suspicion and animosity towards Indian Muslims by propagating the false narrative that Muslim men deceive Hindu women to convert them to Islam.
Unveiling Love Jihad Attacks
The Hindu Right has orchestrated several high-profile cases, turning love and marriage across community boundaries into political spectacles. One such incident involved the case of Hadiya, a Hindu woman who converted to Islam and married a Muslim man. The controversy surrounding her interfaith marriage became a platform for debates on Love Jihad, resulting in her forced separation from her husband and the annulment of her marriage by the courts.
Love Jihad and its Impact on Social Hierarchies
Love Jihad campaigns have far-reaching implications on social hierarchies. By attacking interfaith relationships, these campaigns reinforce rigid caste and religious barriers, perpetuating the existing social divide. They aim to create a docile population that refrains from questioning systems of power – be it neoliberalism, religious majoritarianism, or social injustice.
The Impact on Interfaith Love and Social Cohesion
One real-world example that demonstrates the impact of Love Jihad campaigns on social hierarchies is the case of Rinkle Kumari. She belonged to the Hindu community and fell in love with a Muslim man, resulting in her conversion to Islam and marriage. However, she was forcefully abducted and coerced by her family to revert to Hinduism. This incident not only highlights the vulnerability of interfaith relationships but also the reinforcement of social hierarchies that restrict personal freedom and choice.
Love Knows No Boundaries: The Need for Understanding and Tolerance
The Love Jihad discourse perpetuated by Hindutva organizations has significant consequences for social harmony and unity in India. Rather than cultivating suspicion and violence, the need of the hour is to foster understanding and tolerance among diverse communities. It is crucial to recognize that love, regardless of religious or cultural differences, can contribute positively to society by breaking down barriers and promoting social cohesion.
For a more in-depth analysis, please refer to the original research article by Tanika Sarkar: “Is Love Without Borders Possible?”
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