When violence, discrimination and humiliation are ongoing, their impact cannot be fully understood unless you specifically study.

The six-month long research at Bebaak Collective conducted a study in which they interviewed Muslims from various social, educational backgrounds, and regions to analyze the effects of communal tension on the mental health and well-being of the community.

The findings of this study were published in a report by Bebaak Collective.

The report examines the impact of communal discrimination and hate crimes have had on the Muslim community in terms of social, emotional, and financial strains over the past few years.

Victim after the riots in Delhi, Photo: Indian Express

Rephrase it: “We kept the circle wide and spoke to activists who have been imprisoned, friends of activists, families of men who have been lynched, therapists who treat Muslim patients, families of riot victims, and several family members of imprisoned men, among others.

The team conducted interviewed activists who have been imprisoned, friends and family members of activists and lynching victims, therapists who treat Muslim patients, families of riot victims, and others.

The report identifies the role of the law in systematically isolating and alienating Indian Muslims as main cause of trauma. It notes that laws are introduced with the intention of reinforcing the idea that Muslims pose a threat to Hindu community, and this serves to embolden both the Hindu majoritarian imagination and its grassroots efforts.

A Muslim man walks inside a burned house in Delhi riots, 2020, Photo: SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images

In recent years, more particularly, in the wake of the protests opposing the discriminatory government policies and human right violations, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was used indiscriminately against the community leaders, activists and even journalists belonging to the Muslim community.

The trauma experienced by the victims often changes their everyday lives and interactions, with effects such as restricting travel and limiting interactions due to their religious identity.

The loss of opportunities due to a riot limits economic prospects and changes aspirations, dreams, and hopes for social mobility, according to the report.

A woman protestor crying while surrounded by police, New Delhi. (Image: PTI)

The report says, the loss of community significantly impacts an individual's sense of confidence and certainty in navigating difficult situations, such as legal cases, or rebuilding their life after a violent incident.

The report concludes that the pervasive feeling of powerlessness in the face of a fascist state and hateful ideology, which has forced many Muslim victims of communal violence to alter their lifestyles, is the most significant finding of their research.

This is a deeply worrying trend, and it is essential that the international community and the wider Muslim world take urgent action to address the issues that are causing such harm to India's Muslims.

It is time for everyone to stand together and fight for justice and equality for all.

Disclaimer: (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the 12ummah staff; the rest of the content is just translated from below sources. The views expressed here are those of the original authors and do not necessarily represent, reflect or endorsed by the staff, management, committee, donors or other partners of 12ummah.com)
 
Source:  The Wire

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