Fight, Die, and If Required Kill: Hindu Nationalism, Misinformation, and Islamophobia in India

This article provides a deep dive into several recent cases of majoritarian hate speech and violence perpetrated against Muslims in India. We first provide an introduction to Hindutva as a social movement in India, followed by an examination of three case studies in which Islamophobic hate speech circulated on social media, as well as several instances of anti-Muslim violence. These case studies-the Delhi riots, the Love Jihad conspiracy theory, and anti-Muslim disinformation related to the COVID pandemic-show that Hindu nationalism in India codes the Muslim minority in the country as particularly dangerous and untrustworthy.

Automated summary

This article delves into recent cases of hate speech and violence against Muslims in India carried out by the majority. It provides an introduction to Hindutva as a social movement and examines three case studies, including the Delhi riots, the Love Jihad conspiracy theory, and anti-Muslim disinformation related to the COVID pandemic. These case studies highlight how Hindu nationalism in India portrays the Muslim minority as particularly dangerous and untrustworthy.