Communal Tensions

Communal means pertaining to a community engaged in or involving two or more communities. A community consists of people organised into a social unit. In India, a community is often organised on the basis of caste or religion. It is something that constitutes a common interest, common language, common government which is formed by any number of individuals.

India is a multi linguistic, multi religious, and multi racial country. We can find conflicts between different groups of people based on the caste, religion and race. After India gained its independence, which was on the basis of Hindu and Muslim communities i.e. India and Pakistan, it flamed the communal riots among the Hindus and the Muslims where millions were rendered homeless while many lost their homes but the worst part was that it gave rise to communal tension which has not been put to an end till now.

Communal tensions rise when there is contradiction between two groups on the question of language, community, culture, etc. During the Mughal rule, Aurangzeb inflicted much injustice and misery on the Hindus and in return, many Hindu rulers retaliated in a violent way. Many parties were also started based on the communal interests which led to conflicts. When the communities live as a separate section, there is a chance to develop tensions between them because of their varied modes of life. Hatred and disgust is also another cause for the communal tension which can arise on false thoughts which are based on ignorance.

Some of the social causes also promote communal tensions. Muslims slaughter cow and this injures the feelings of the Hindus whereas many Hindus find it objectionable to form a close relationship with Muslims as they follow another religion. The different customs followed by these communities is also a reason for them to look at each other in a slightly different manner.

For communal harmony, it is necessary to make a concerted effort and both the government and the people have to co-operate if any success is to be achieved in this regard. The mass media should be used in a form of creating a healthy national opinion. Historical events where both the hindus and the muslims worked together for the national interest should be promoted. The political parties which are formed on the basis of communalism should be banned and there should be formation of youth organization which should include people from both the communities.

Post a Comment

0 Comments