Yesterday, it was Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and today, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath—both prominent BJP leaders—who sounded the alarm about the potential decimation of the Hindu community if urgent corrective measures are not taken. Their warnings highlight the rapidly changing demographics in various regions of their states, where illegal migrants have not only overstayed but have also managed to secure legal documents like Aadhaar cards and ration cards, enabling them to vote. This situation, they argue, is a consequence of the policies of previous governments, including the Congress (in Assam and other north-eastern states) and regional powers like the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party in UP, who have allegedly turned these migrants into vote banks over the years. The challenge India faces with the appeasement politics practiced by the Congress and other regional parties, including the Left, is a self-inflicted problem that mirrors threats seen in many European countries. Over the past few decades, the world has witnessed a surge in Islamic fundamentalism, which poses significant threats to various religious and cultural identities globally. This ideological extremism, marked by a rigid interpretation of Islam and a desire to impose Sharia law universally, endangers not only the West but also the East. The rise of Islamic fundamentalism threatens to wipe out Christianity in Europe and Hinduism in India, two of the world’s oldest and most influential religions. This alarming trend, supported by evidence and critical analysis, underscores the urgency of addressing this global crisis.
Europe, once the stronghold of Christianity, has seen a steady decline in its Christian population. Several factors contribute to this decline, including secularism, declining birth rates among native Europeans, and the mass influx of Muslim immigrants. Islamic fundamentalists exploit this demographic shift, with some advocating for the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate in Europe. The infamous “Eurabia” theory suggests that Europe could become predominantly Muslim by the end of this century, driven by higher Muslim birth rates and the failure of European countries to assimilate Muslim immigrants. Instances of Islamic fundamentalism manifesting in Europe are numerous. The 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack in France, the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing in the UK, and the rise of Islamist no-go zones in cities like Paris and London are stark reminders of the growing influence of Islamic extremism. These incidents are not isolated but are part of a broader strategy by fundamentalists to instill fear, assert dominance, and eventually, transform Europe into a region governed by Islamic law.
In India, the situation is equally concerning. Hinduism, the country’s majority religion, faces increasing threats from radical Islamic groups. India, with its rich history of religious diversity, has been a target for Islamic invasions for centuries. The legacy of these invasions still lingers, and in modern times, Islamic fundamentalism continues to challenge the country’s unity and secular fabric. One of the most significant threats comes from cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, a nation that harbors several Islamic fundamentalist groups. The 2008 Mumbai attacks, orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization, is a grim example of how Islamic extremists seek to destabilize India. The attacks targeted major landmarks and killed hundreds, many of whom were Hindus, underscoring the intent to terrorize and weaken the Hindu majority. Moreover, radicalization within India’s Muslim population, though a minority, poses a growing challenge. The influence of global jihadist ideologies, spread through online platforms and certain religious institutions, has led to the rise of homegrown terrorism. The 2019 Pulwama attack, which killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel, was carried out by a radicalized Kashmiri youth, highlighting the internal threat India faces from Islamic fundamentalism.
Islamic fundamentalism is not confined to any single region; it is a global phenomenon with a well-defined strategy. Fundamentalists seek to establish a global Islamic Caliphate, where non-Muslims would be subjugated under Islamic law. This ambition is driven by groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, who have carried out numerous attacks worldwide in pursuit of their objectives. The strategy involves a combination of violent jihad, demographic expansion, and ideological warfare. Violent jihad includes terrorist attacks, insurgencies, and armed conflicts aimed at weakening non-Islamic states. Demographic expansion refers to the high birth rates among Muslim populations, especially in the West, which could eventually lead to a Muslim majority in certain regions. Ideological warfare involves the spread of extremist interpretations of Islam through social media, mosques, and educational institutions, aiming to radicalize individuals and create a global network of fundamentalists. The rise of Islamic fundamentalism is a serious threat to the global religious and cultural fabric. The potential erasure of Christianity in Europe and Hinduism in India would not only mark a loss of religious diversity but also the triumph of an ideology that rejects coexistence and pluralism. To combat this threat, a united global effort is required. Nations must work together to address the root causes of radicalization, secure their borders, and promote a narrative of peace and coexistence. The fight against Islamic fundamentalism is not just a religious battle but a struggle for the preservation of global diversity and the right of all religions to exist peacefully.
