Canada’s Growing Engagement with India Amid Anti-Muslim Attacks and the Tragic Killing of Imam Hafiz Saad
August 3rd, 2023
Justice For All Canada expresses our deep concern over the targeted attack on a mosque and the killing of Imam Hafiz Saad in India’s Haryana state. This incident and the recent spate of violence and discrimination against Muslims point to a troubling escalation of religiously motivated hate crimes perpetrated by right-wing Hindu nationalists in the country.
On July 31, a Hindu far-right mob attacked and set fire to the Anjuman Jama mosque in Gurugram, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Mohammad (Hafiz) Saad, a deputy imam inside the mosque at the time of the attack.
“Imam Saad was known for fostering peace and communal harmony. His tragic killing highlights the urgent need for action to protect religious minorities in India,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director. “Hindutva extremist groups have been promoting hateful and provocative videos targeting Muslims in India, and such propaganda is contributing to a dangerous climate of radicalization among these groups,” added Ghayyur.
Local reports portrayed a horrifying scene of communal violence and fear among the Muslim community in the region. Muslim-owned shops, businesses, and properties were targeted and set ablaze by the Hindu mobs in Gurugram and nearby towns, such as Sohna, leading to casualties, injuries, and significant destruction.
Canada and India: Growing Engagement
Last month, Canada's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, and Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem attended meetings with G7 and G20 counterparts in India. The issue of anti-minority abuse and discrimination was not discussed, as participants only focused on economic growth. The G20 presidency is currently held by India, making it the third time the country is hosting finance ministers and central bank governors in recent months.
Canada’s diplomatic engagements with India amid ongoing human rights abuses against religious minorities pose significant hypocrisy. Despite clear evidence of discriminatory policies and violence against minorities in India, Canada has continued to engage in high-level economic discussions with India. While economic cooperation is essential for both countries, it raises questions about Canada's approach to human rights advocacy and the prioritization of economic interests over human rights concerns.
As a country that prides itself on defending human rights globally, the Canadian government has failed to raise these concerns nor engage in frank discussions with Indian authorities. We are disappointed in Canada’s inability to reinforce its human rights commitment and demonstrate a willingness to hold all nations accountable, including its economic partners.
Anti-Muslim Attacks Heighten Across India
According to Human Rights Watch, discriminatory policies and a biased justice system in India have contributed to the erosion of the rule of law and increased hate crimes against religious minorities, particularly Muslims. Extrajudicial killings, torture, cruel treatment by police and prison officials, and unjustified arrests and prosecutions of journalists are significant human rights issues faced by minorities in India.
Critics of the government, particularly those from the Muslim community, have been targeted, while government supporters accused of violence often evade accountability.
The rise of Hindu majoritarian politics has fueled religious polarization, with Muslims bearing the brunt of discriminatory policies and targeted violence. The implementation of laws and policies that marginalize religious minorities has led to an increase in hate crimes and human rights abuses committed by supporters of the right-wing nationalist BJP government.
Justice For All Canada expresses our deep concern over the targeted attack on a mosque and the killing of Imam Hafiz Saad in India’s Haryana state. This incident and the recent spate of violence and discrimination against Muslims point to a troubling escalation of religiously motivated hate crimes perpetrated by right-wing Hindu nationalists in the country.
On July 31, a Hindu far-right mob attacked and set fire to the Anjuman Jama mosque in Gurugram, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Mohammad (Hafiz) Saad, a deputy imam inside the mosque at the time of the attack.
“Imam Saad was known for fostering peace and communal harmony. His tragic killing highlights the urgent need for action to protect religious minorities in India,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director. “Hindutva extremist groups have been promoting hateful and provocative videos targeting Muslims in India, and such propaganda is contributing to a dangerous climate of radicalization among these groups,” added Ghayyur.
Local reports portrayed a horrifying scene of communal violence and fear among the Muslim community in the region. Muslim-owned shops, businesses, and properties were targeted and set ablaze by the Hindu mobs in Gurugram and nearby towns, such as Sohna, leading to casualties, injuries, and significant destruction.
Canada and India: Growing Engagement
Last month, Canada's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, and Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem attended meetings with G7 and G20 counterparts in India. The issue of anti-minority abuse and discrimination was not discussed, as participants only focused on economic growth. The G20 presidency is currently held by India, making it the third time the country is hosting finance ministers and central bank governors in recent months.
Canada’s diplomatic engagements with India amid ongoing human rights abuses against religious minorities pose significant hypocrisy. Despite clear evidence of discriminatory policies and violence against minorities in India, Canada has continued to engage in high-level economic discussions with India. While economic cooperation is essential for both countries, it raises questions about Canada's approach to human rights advocacy and the prioritization of economic interests over human rights concerns.
As a country that prides itself on defending human rights globally, the Canadian government has failed to raise these concerns nor engage in frank discussions with Indian authorities. We are disappointed in Canada’s inability to reinforce its human rights commitment and demonstrate a willingness to hold all nations accountable, including its economic partners.
Anti-Muslim Attacks Heighten Across India
According to Human Rights Watch, discriminatory policies and a biased justice system in India have contributed to the erosion of the rule of law and increased hate crimes against religious minorities, particularly Muslims. Extrajudicial killings, torture, cruel treatment by police and prison officials, and unjustified arrests and prosecutions of journalists are significant human rights issues faced by minorities in India.
Critics of the government, particularly those from the Muslim community, have been targeted, while government supporters accused of violence often evade accountability.
The rise of Hindu majoritarian politics has fueled religious polarization, with Muslims bearing the brunt of discriminatory policies and targeted violence. The implementation of laws and policies that marginalize religious minorities has led to an increase in hate crimes and human rights abuses committed by supporters of the right-wing nationalist BJP government.