NO COMMUNION: Christians have also found themselves at the receiving end

“I’m worried the Hindu youth is looking for a Prabhakaran.” Praveen Togadia, VHP leader

“It must be terrifying to be a Muslim in this country today.” Arundhati Roy, writer-activist

A decade ago, the Anthropological Survey of India estimated that there were some 4,599 separate communities in India with as many as 325 languages and dialects in 12 distinct language families and nearly 24 scripts. These are revealing statistics and indicate the incredible extent of India’s pluralism.

Turning Points

A brief history of secular crises Communal riots, conversions and shrine demolitions, the past 25 years have seen them all 1976 Secular Mantra During Emergency, Indira Gandhi alters the Preamble of the Constitution and adds the word “secular”. Secularism becomes a new battle cry. 1979 Meenakshipuram The conversion of Dalits to Islam in Tamil Nadu triggers controversy. VHP enters the stage as the new champion of Hindu interests. 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots The killing of 3,000 Sikhs in Delhi after Indira Gandhi’s assassination undermines secularism. No action taken against rioters. 1985 Shah Bano Case Rajiv Gandhi gives in to Muslim orthodoxy and reverses Supreme Court verdict. It is seen as an instance of minority appeasement. 1990 Exodus of Pandits V.P. Singh regime is helpless as Kashmiri Hindus flee the Valley. Inaction bolsters impression of unconcern for the majority community. 1992 Babri Demolition Ram Janmabhoomi movement peaks with demolition of mosque. Compromises secularism and triggers a wave of vicious rioting. 1998 Staines’ Killing The brutal murder of missionary follows series of attacks on churches in Gujarat over conversions. Christians insecure. 2002 Gujarat carnage Nearly 700 people die in post-Godhra riots. The state BJP Government charged with being a passive onlooker to the killing of Muslims.

Yet, to view the magnitude of diversity as a purely managerial challenge is inadequate. Secularism is a crucial feature of nationhood but its Indian meaning is unique. It embraces tolerance and faith, equality and religiosity (or, for that matter, atheism). India’s secularism has no western parallel nor an eastern counterpart. It must be treated on its own terms, warts and all.

Yet, secularism cannot endure if either the majority nurses a grievance or the minorities are emotionally insecure. Both have happened simultaneously and generated a crisis of confidence. It is, therefore, important, to address both problems simultaneously.

The sense of goodwill depends on citizens themselves but the state must assume responsibility for stamping out ill-will. In this, there cannot be any discrimination between majority and minority subversion. Efficient and quick justice must be guaranteed to all.

Ayodhya is a festering sore but its resolution can’t be left to the courts alone. It must be accompanied by a larger social compact involving Hindus and Muslims.

The right to maintain and administer educational institutions (Article 30) must be extended to all communities, including Hindus, but governed by guidelines and a code of conduct.
It is the job of the state to protect its citizens. Wilful dereliction of duty (as in riots) should invite punitive action against officials.

Religious conversions are a source of tension. Inter-faith dialogue on this subject should be encouraged.

The important thing is not to preach secularism as a dogma but accept ordinary decencies as a national imperative.

—with bureau reports