Prof. Arshi Khan & Dr. G C Pal

There are considerable evidence of differentials between socio-religious groups and disadvantaged positions of certain groups. Beyond the issue of group inequality and deprivation, there are also diverse episodes of gross human rights violations against certain groups in the form of inter-group violence. In recent times, this has taken different dimensions, and has been one of the major challenges to majority-minority community relationship in India. Although several groups face violence based on their group identities, the religious identity has been dominant one in the discourse of violence. In Indian mainstream social life, besides the caste system, religion constitutes a primary institution that governs social relationships in community life. Religious identity takes precedence over all other identities during the time of a riot, which unleashes violence.

There are considerable evidence of differentials between socio-religious groups and disadvantaged positions of certain groups. Beyond the issue of group inequality and deprivation, there are also diverse episodes of gross human rights violations against certain groups in the form of inter-group violence. In recent times, this has taken different dimensions, and has been one of the major challenges to majority-minority community relationship in India. Although several groups face violence based on their group identities, the religious identity has been dominant one in the discourse of violence. In Indian mainstream social life, besides the caste system, religion constitutes a primary institution that governs social relationships in community life. Religious identity takes precedence over all other identities during the time of a riot, which unleashes violence.