COMMUNAL VIOLENCE

Communal violence is a form of violence that is perpetrated across ethnic or communal lines,
where the violent parties feel solidarity for their respective groups and victims are chosen based
upon group membership. The term includes conflicts, riots and other forms of violence between
communities of different religious faith or ethnic origins.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime includes any conflict and form of violence between
communities of different religious groups, different sects or tribes of same religious group,
clans, ethnic origins or national origin as communal violence. However, this excludes conflict
between two individuals or two families.
Communal violence is found in Africa,the Americas,Asia, Europe and Oceania.
The term "communal violence" was coined by European colonial authorities as they wrestled
to manage outbreaks of violence between religious, ethnic and disparate groups in their
colonies, particularly Africa and South Asia, in early 20th century.
Communal violence, in different parts of the world, is alternatively referred to as ethnic
violence, religious violence, non-State conflict, violent civil disorder, minorities unrest, mass
racial violence, inter-communal violence and ethno-religious violence.
What is Communal Violence?
About:
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines communal violence as any act that promotes enmity
between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.,
and does acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
BNS Provisions on Communal Violence:
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 196 aims to prevent and punish actions that promote enmity
and hatred between different groups based on various grounds.
It seeks to maintain social harmony by penalizing such acts with imprisonment and fines,
especially when these actions occur in places of worship or during religious gatherings.
What are the Causes of Communal Violence in India?
Political Causes:
The role of political parties and leaders in mobilizing communal sentiments for electoral gains
or ideological agendas. The use of communal polarization as a strategy to divide and rule.The
failure of political institutions and mechanisms to prevent or resolve communal conflicts. The
lack of accountability and impunity for perpetrators of communal violence.
Social Causes:
The existence of deep-rooted prejudices and stereotypes against different communities.The
lack of inter-community dialogue and trust.The influence of extremist groups and organizations
that propagate communal hatred and violence. The manipulation of religious symbols and
sentiments for communal purposes.
Economic Causes:
The competition for scarce resources and opportunities among different communities.The
perception of relative deprivation or discrimination among marginalized groups.The impact of
globalization and modernization on traditional livelihoods and identities.The exploitation of
communal grievances for economic benefits.
Cultural Factors:
The clash of values and lifestyles between different communities. The erosion of cultural
diversity and pluralism.The challenge posed by secularism and liberalism to religious
orthodoxy and conservatism. The appropriation or desecration of cultural heritage and sacred
sites.
Lack of Education and Awareness:
Misinformation can spread easily, deepening mistrust and misunderstanding, and eventually
contributing to the eruption of communal violence.What are Impacts of Communal Violence
in India?
Loss of Human Lives:
One of the most devastating consequences of communal violence is the loss of human lives.
Individuals, families, and entire communities are torn apart by the tragedy of lives cut short,
leaving scars that last for generations.
Destruction of Property:
Communal violence leads to the destruction of homes, businesses, and places of worship.The
economic losses resulting from this destruction can be substantial, affecting the livelihoods of
individuals and communities.
Social Disintegration:
The breakdown or weakening of social cohesion, tolerance, solidarity, etc., among different
communities. The fabric of trust and unity that binds a society together is often torn apart by
communal violence.Communities that once lived in harmony can find themselves divided
along religious lines, eroding the bonds that have held them together.
Economic Setbacks:
Communal violence can have significant economic ramifications.The diversion or wastage of
resources and funds. Investors may be hesitant to invest in areas prone to violence, economic
activities can be disrupted, and developmental projects can be derailed, slowing down progress
and growth.
Psychological Impact:
The trauma inflicted by communal violence extends beyond physical harm. Survivors often
experience psychological distress, anxiety, and depression, affecting their overall well-being
and ability to lead fulfilling lives.
Political Impact:
The erosion or subversion of democracy, secularism, rule of law, justice, etc., in India. The loss
of legitimacy and credibility of political institutions and actors. The increase in corruption,
nepotism, patronage, violence, etc., in political processes. The rise or resurgence of
authoritarianism, populism, nationalism, communalism, etc.
Impact on Security:
The threat or challenge to national , regional, and international security. The involvement or
interference of external actors or forces in communal conflicts. The spillover or escalation of
communal violence across borders. The linkages or nexus between communal violence and
other forms of violence, such as terrorism, insurgency, militancy, etc. The proliferation or
misuse of weapons or explosives.
What is the Role of Government in Maintaining Communal Harmony?
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India has several initiatives related to communal harmony,
including the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) and the National
Communal Harmony Award:
National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH): An autonomous organization that
promotes communal harmony and national integration. The NFCH's activities include:
Providing financial support to rehabilitate child victims of violence
Encouraging interfaith dialogue
Promoting awareness programs
National Communal Harmony Award
An award is given annually to individuals, student unions, and organizations that contribute to
communal harmony and national integration.
The award is announced on January 26th every year. The jury for the award includes the Vice-
President of India, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, and two
eminent people nominated by the Union Home Minister.
Communal harmony guidelines
The MHA has guidelines on communal harmony that include information on managing
information and assigning nodal responsibilities.
What are the Impacts of Communal Violence in India?
Loss of Human Lives: Communal violence results in significant loss of life, tearing apart
families and communities. This loss creates enduring scars that affect social dynamics for
generations.
Destruction of Property: Homes, businesses, and places of worship are often destroyed, leading
to substantial economic losses. Such destruction disrupts livelihoods and damages community
infrastructure.
Social Disintegration: Communal violence weakens social cohesion, eroding trust and unity
among communities. Long-standing relationships can become strained or severed, resulting in
divided societies.
Economic Setbacks: Violence leads to resource diversion and creates an unfavorable
investment climate. Economic activities are disrupted, hindering growth and development.
Psychological and Political Impact: Survivors experience trauma, anxiety, and depression,
affecting their mental well-being. Politically, communal violence undermines democracy, the
rule of law, and can contribute to authoritarianism and increased corruption.
The Communal Violence (Prevention, Control, and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005:
The Bill aims to prevent communal violence, ensure swift action during conflicts, and
rehabilitate victims.
It empowers both central and state governments to intervene and control communal
disturbances.
Public officials can be held accountable for failure to control violence or for negligence.
Special courts may be established to expedite trials.
Provides legal provisions for the compensation and rehabilitation of victims.
What Are the Solution to Prevent Communal Violence?
Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Enhance laws to address hate speech and communal
violence, ensuring strict enforcement and accountability for perpetrators.
The State Level Integration Committee, along with district administration, plays a crucial role
in maintaining communal harmony by monitoring potential communal tensions and ensuring
timely intervention.
Promoting Inter-Community Dialogue: Facilitate discussions between different communities
to foster understanding, trust, and collaboration, reducing misconceptions.
Interfaith marriages can promote social harmony by bridging cultural, religious, and societal
divides.
Community Engagement Initiatives: Involve local communities in peacebuilding efforts
through awareness programs and community-driven conflict resolution strategies.
Proactive Monitoring and Response: Establish State Level Integration Committees to monitor
tensions and coordinate timely interventions by district administration.
Awareness Programs: Implement educational initiatives to promote secular values and
tolerance, targeting schools and community organizations.
What are Potential Solutions for Curbing Communal Violence?
Strong Legal Framework:
The enactment or implementation of laws and policies that protect the rights and interests of
different communities.
The prevention or prohibition of hate speech, hate crimes, communal riots, etc. The prosecution
or punishment of perpetrators or instigators of communal violence.
The provision or compensation of justice or relief to victims or survivors of communal
violence.
Strengthening Institutional Mechanism:
The strengthening or reforming of political institutions and mechanisms that deal with
communal issues.
The establishment or empowerment of independent or impartial bodies or agencies that monitor
or investigate communal violence.
The promotion or enhancement of transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and
inclusiveness in governance.
Educational Reforms:
The development or revision of curricula and textbooks that foster a culture of peace, tolerance,
respect, and diversity among different communities.
The training or sensitization of teachers, students, parents, media, etc., on communal harmony
and coexistence. The creation or expansion of opportunities for inter-community dialogue and
exchange.
Social Reform:
The building or rebuilding of social capital and trust among different communities. The
mobilization or involvement of civil society actors, such as NGOs, religious leaders, women
groups, youth groups, etc., in promoting communal harmony and coexistence.
The recognition or celebration of the contributions and achievements of different communities
to India’s society and culture.
Economic:
The improvement or redistribution of economic conditions and opportunities among different
communities.
The alleviation or elimination of poverty, inequality, discrimination, etc., among marginalized
groups.
The facilitation or integration of economic cooperation and collaboration among different
communities.
Cultural:
The preservation or restoration of cultural diversity and pluralism in India. The protection or
promotion of cultural heritage and sacred sites of different communities.
The encouragement or appreciation of cultural exchange and innovation among different
communities.
Community Engagement:
Local community leaders, religious figures, and civil society organizations can play a pivotal
role in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Grassroots efforts can foster connections that transcend religious differences.
Media Responsibility:
Media outlets bear a responsibility to report objectively and responsibly, avoiding
sensationalism and biased coverage that can fan the flames of communal tensions.
What Should be the Way Forward?
Promoting Social Cohesion:
Efforts should be directed toward building a strong national identity that transcends religious
affiliations.
Celebrating cultural diversity and promoting a sense of unity can help bridge communal
divides.
Economic Empowerment:
Addressing economic disparities through policies that ensure equal access to opportunities can
reduce feelings of marginalization and create a more inclusive society.
Youth Engagement:
Empowering the youth with the tools to champion peace, tolerance, and unity is essential for
nurturing a generation that upholds these values.