Why India’s religious violence is on the rise

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Hindus carrying pickaxes and iron rods hurled rocks at MuslimsHindus carrying pickaxes and iron rods hurled rocks at Muslims protesting a new citizenship law on a second day of deadly clashes that cast a shadow over President Donald Trump’s visit to India. (PHOTO: Reuters)

GUEST: Salman Aneez Soz, an economic development expert and author of “The Great Disappointment: How Narendra Modi Squandered a Unique Opportunity to Transform the Indian Economy.”

After months of protests over a controversial citizenship law, India is now dealing with some of its worst violence in decades. Over the last week, dozens have been killed and hundreds injured in riots across the capital city of Delhi – parts of which still remain under lock-down.

Witnesses say police have been unwilling or unable to control the mobs, and in some cases may have participated in the violence. Crowds have also set fire to thousands of properties, including schools, mosques, shops and homes.

But, in the midst of this unrest, is President Narendra Modi doing enough to calm the violence? And are the recent policies and rhetoric of his government – which many call “nationalistic” – fueling the attacks that have many of India’s 201 million Muslims saying they are living in “constant fear.”

With us to discuss the most recent violence in India is Salman Aneez Soz – an economic development expert and the author of “The Great Disappointment: How Narendra Modi Squandered a Unique Opportunity to Transform the Indian Economy.”