Communal clashes are rising across the country, buckling a trend over the last few years, which had seen a decline. Preliminary data with the Union home ministry shows a 10 per cent rise in such clashes between October 2011 and June 2012.
The security agencies blame this on several factors, including “eve-teasing”, rape, elopement, molestation and inter-community marriages. The intelligence agencies report rumours of a “love jehad” spread in some parts of the nation inciting communal passions. Security sources say rumours that radicalised youth were seeking to “lure and entrap” Hindu girls through a “love jehad” were causing tension.
The increase in communal flareups have been reported from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
“We are looking into all reasons triggering such a rise in communal incidents. Efforts are on to sensitise communities about deliberate attempts to disturb peace and harmony,” a security official said.
The security agencies also cite dangers posed by the fanning of religious hatred through the Internet. The Intelligence Bureau is asking state police forces to develop a capacity to monitor malicious Internet postings, citing the recent ethnic violence in Assam.