The report analyzed incidents of communal violence in 2018 and found that now, religious festivals are used for competitive mobilisation
Polarization, a concept earlier seen only in cities of Gujarat, has now found its way to small towns and villages. A report on "Deepening roots of communalism in Gujarat – A report on communal violence in 2018", by Buniyaad, anorganisation working to promote conflict transformation processes among marginalised communities in Gujarat has found that communal violence has spread to newer areas.
The report was based on data collected by Alp Sankhyak Adhikar Manch, a human rights organisation, through direct interactions with survivors, the accused, political parties and the administration, and then corroborated with FIR copies. The report analyzed incidents of communal violence in 2018 and found that now, religious festivals are used for competitive mobilisation.
Hozefa Ujjaini, who leads Buniyaad, said, "Ghettoisation was seen in cities earlier but it is affecting villages now. Attempts are being made to end all sorts of interaction between communities. The data showed that recent incidents have taken place in areas unaffected by riots of 2002."
The report states that in 2018, 33 persons were injured in communal violence, of whom 24 were Muslim and nine were Hindus. One Muslim person and two Hindus were killed. In most cases, the Muslim community bore the brunt ofproperty losses. In fact, of 13 incidents, only in one case in Sanjeli village, Dahod, both communities suffer equal losses. The causal analysis of the incidents revealed that religious festivals, processions, rallies, inter-religious relationships, derogatory/controversial songs, eve-teasing and hate speeches were trigger-points for communal riots.
In the report, Hozefa said, "In Gujarat, in 2018, Hindu supremacists enjoy impunity to perpetuate violence against marginalised groups of Muslims and Dalits. This has resulted in polarisation and distrust on religious lines. Small-scaleviolence creates an image that riots are not taking place in Gujarat. The impact of constant communal violence creates further ghettoisation for women and young girls, constraining their mobility, choices and opportunities for development."
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