The dynamics of Indian society and culture underwent a significant transformation during British colonization and the advent of Christian missionaries. These forces extended their influence beyond urban centers, reaching rural areas with ideas and communication methods that surpassed those of Islamic institutions in India at the time. A pivotal shift occurred as the education of Hindu children fell under the purview of imperialist and missionary systems. This led to the emergence of a large group of self-alienated Hindus, disconnected from their traditional roots.
Additionally, the influence of communist ideologies propagated through Soviet-backed apparatuses, compounded this cultural alienation. Despite these challenges, Hindu society and culture not only endured but mounted a strong resurgence, led by figures like Maharshi Dayananda, Swami Vivekananda, and Sri Aurobindo. Their efforts garnered global respect and recognition. Nevertheless, the dominance of self-alienated Hindus persisted, especially in the post-independence era, with leaders like Pandit Nehru rising to prominence as part of this historical evolution.
The Nehruvian regime adopted a worldview reminiscent of the British Raj, treating India not as a predominantly Hindu nation but as a multicultural entity. Critics argue that this approach sought to suppress mainstream Hindu culture while promoting minority interests, fragmenting Hindu society further. Historical grievances, such as the Partition of India, were attributed to Hindu communalism rather than Islamic imperialism, perpetuating a narrative that placed Hindus at fault in most situations.
A study of Mewar’s history highlights how internal betrayals among Hindus were often more detrimental than external threats. The Battle of Khanwa, where Maharana Sanga’s forces lost due to the defection of Salhadi Tanwar, exemplifies this. However, Maharana Pratap’s later campaigns demonstrated a strategic approach to countering such betrayals, including robust counter-espionage measures and swift actions against traitors. His legacy offers lessons in vigilance and unity that resonate even today.
The text further critiques the historical and modern implications of cultural and religious practices associated with Islam, referring to certain practices as oppressive or incompatible with liberal values. While these points reflect specific perspectives, they require nuanced presentation to foster constructive dialogue.
The discussion concludes by asserting that Hindu culture faces a greater threat from internal divisions than from external adversaries, emphasizing the need for introspection and resilience.
Security and defense experts emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive contingency plan by the Union Government to address a significant national security threat. The ‘chicken’s neck corridor,’ a narrow land strip in North Bengal connecting Northeast India to the rest of the country, is highly vulnerable due to extensive demographic changes.
Radical Islamist groups have long advocated for severing this corridor to achieve the larger objective of ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’—an Islamist takeover of India. This agenda has been supported by decades of unchecked illegal immigration from Bangladesh, which has transformed the region’s demographic profile. Once a determinedly Hindu-majority area, the corridor and surrounding districts now host significant Muslim-majority populations, largely attributed to the influx of Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas.
The influx, reportedly facilitated by successive state governments in Bengal for political patronage, has resulted in the issuance of official documents to immigrants, granting them de facto Indian citizenship. Intelligence Bureau (IB) reports over decades have highlighted this issue, but state-level complicity has rendered the Union Government powerless to act against those holding legitimate identification documents.
Radical Islamist organizations, including the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), and ISIS-affiliated groups, have exploited this situation. They have organized large congregations in the corridor and adjacent areas, spreading radical ideologies and inciting anti-Indian sentiments. Salafi madrassas and masjids reportedly play a significant role in radicalizing the local populace, further destabilizing the region.
Videos showing inflammatory speeches urging Muslims in the area to revolt and advocating for the region’s merger with Bangladesh have surfaced. Intelligence agencies warn that at a strategically opportune moment, radical groups could incite a rebellion, disrupt rail and road links, and declare the region a ‘liberated zone.’ Such actions could provoke retaliation from Indian security forces, leading to bloodshed and attracting international attention. Radical leaders could exploit this to frame the situation as persecution of Muslims, inviting external intervention.
Experts warn this is not a speculative threat but a realistic one, given the blueprint detailed by these groups. The plan involves not only local participants but also support from Muslim-majority areas in neighboring Bihar and Bangladesh. Such a scenario could pose an existential threat to India’s territorial integrity.
To counter this, the Union Government must develop a robust contingency plan. While resistance from the Bengal government is anticipated due to political and vote-bank considerations, New Delhi must respond with decisive and unilateral measures. Strong punitive actions against non-cooperative state governments and enhanced monitoring of illegal immigration are essential to safeguarding the corridor and the nation’s unity. (To be concluded)
