Human rights and religious freedom in India saw a significant decline throughout 2024, marked by the implementation of discriminatory policies, an increase in hate crimes, cow-related lynchings, inflammatory speeches during India’s general elections, instances of police brutality, and transnational repression, according to an annual report by the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) released today.
The report details systemic violence and discrimination against Indian minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Kashmiris, by documenting some of the most egregious acts committed against these groups over the year. However, the repression extended beyond India’s borders, as the government’s transnational efforts to silence dissent also impacted members of the Indian diaspora in the United States and Canada.
Before and after securing a third consecutive term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and their Hindu nationalist supporters played a role in fostering discrimination and violence against minorities and vulnerable communities. Notably, there were multiple instances in which law enforcement, acting either on the orders of the government or Hindu nationalist groups, engaged in violence against minority populations. Two significant instances of police brutality against Muslim demonstrators occurred in 2024—first in January in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where six people were killed, and later in November in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where five were shot dead. In both cases, police fired upon Muslim protestors exercising their right to dissent.
Several new discriminatory policies were introduced at both state and national levels. Among these was the Uniform Civil Code implemented in Uttarakhand, which compels religious minorities to abide by common laws on personal matters such as marriage and divorce, undermining their religious autonomy. Another measure, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, seeks to alter regulations governing Muslim community-owned waqf properties, reducing control over historic mosques, dargahs, and graveyards. Additionally, various directives from law enforcement and local governments required all food vendors to display their names prominently, making Muslim-owned businesses more vulnerable to attacks and boycotts. These measures were enacted amid growing concerns over judicial independence, leaving minorities with diminishing legal protections against explicitly discriminatory policies.
During the 2024 electoral cycle, the BJP frequently engaged in illegal tactics to polarize the electorate and weaken the opposition. BJP candidates and their allies relied on hate speech throughout their campaigns and facilitated the arrests of opposition leaders, in clear violation of Indian election laws, without facing consequences. Reports from the general election and subsequent bypolls indicated widespread voter suppression, particularly targeting Muslims and other minority groups. Voters described incidents of violence at polling stations, intimidation by law enforcement, and manipulation of voter rolls designed to disenfranchise minority communities.
Hindu militant groups continued to perpetrate violence against Muslims throughout the year, with attacks on individuals, neighborhoods, and places of worship intensifying around Hindu festivals. The consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January, built on the site where the Babri Mosque was demolished, triggered nationwide violence against Muslims. Following this event, Hindu nationalist groups launched a wave of legal challenges seeking to convert Muslim religious sites into Hindu temples. Additionally, Muslim places of worship were frequently targeted by vandals during Hindu religious processions.
Muslim-owned businesses, homes, and religious sites were also subject to unlawful demolition drives under the pretext of removing “encroachments,” often serving as retaliatory actions.
Press freedom continued to suffer as the government maintained control over mainstream media, fostering an environment of censorship and misinformation. During the lead-up to India’s general elections, mainstream media played a role in promoting anti-Muslim rhetoric. Rather than holding Modi accountable for his controversial speeches, news outlets instead focused on praising him, discrediting political rivals, and stoking divisions between Hindus and minorities. The government also actively suppressed content critical of Hindu nationalism and the administration, blocking social media accounts, removing posts, and restricting access to documentaries and articles. Additionally, prominent right-wing figures orchestrated disinformation campaigns against journalists who criticized the Modi administration.
Hindu extremist groups instigated riots in Muslim-majority areas, particularly during Hindu religious celebrations. Mob lynchings continued, often under the guise of protecting cows, with victims predominantly belonging to Muslim and Dalit communities. The lack of consequences for cow vigilante groups underscored the ongoing collaboration between Hindu extremist organizations and law enforcement.
The Indian government also extended its repression beyond its borders, targeting members of the Indian diaspora, including in the United States. In August 2024, a gunman attacked three Sikh separatist activists in Sacramento, an incident that human rights organizations suspect was another assassination attempt backed by the Indian government. Additionally, the Modi administration continued its efforts to censor social media accounts and websites operated by individuals in the diaspora critical of the government.
“Our report illustrates the scale and severity of anti-minority violence that is being perpetuated daily by Hindu supremacists in India,” stated IAMC Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed. “The takeaway is clear: even with Modi’s marginal loss of power following the 2024 elections, Hindu militant groups remain emboldened, law enforcement remains largely beholden to extremists, and the judiciary remains compromised.”
IAMC President Mohammed Jawad also condemned the ongoing repression, stating, “It’s clear that the Modi regime feels a sense of impunity—not only in the way it so ruthlessly enacts violence against its own citizens, but also seeks to silence and repress our communities in the diaspora.” He further urged the U.S. government to take action, asserting, “It is the United States government’s responsibility to protect its citizens by using the appropriate diplomatic tools—including sanctions—to send a strong message to the Modi regime.”