Genocide Watch flags ‘Preparation Stage’–Seventh Stage of Genocide in India

NEW YORK: The Genocide Watch has raised serious concerns about what it describes as the “Preparation” stage of genocide unfolding in India, pointing to rising anti-Muslim rhetoric, weapons training camps run by Hindutva groups, and repeated incidents of violence during religious processions.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Genocide Watch is a non-governmental organisation based in Washington, DC, which campaigns against genocide and the various stages leading up to genocide. It was founded by Gregory Stanton in 1999.

In the seventh part of its Ten Stages of Genocide series on India, the organisation states that “Preparation” is the stage when leaders plan mass killings, often using coded or indirect language. It says genocidal plans are usually masked through terms such as “self-defence” or “counterterrorism”, and are supported by the arming and mobilisation of militias.

“An integral aspect of this process is building and arming armies and militias and preparing them to carry out genocide. In India, this process became apparent when popular Hindu religious and political leaders publicly called for the murder of Muslims. Hindutva extremists call for violence against Muslims under the pretext of “self-defense” against imaginary Muslim plans for genocide against Hindus.”

The report, released on Monday, argues that similar patterns are visible in India, where some Hindutva leaders have publicly called for violence against Muslims. It claims that extremist groups encourage the formation of armed camps and promote conspiracy theories portraying Muslims as a threat to Hindu society.

Arms Training and Mobilisation

The report names organisations such as the Bajrang Dal, alleging that they have organised “self-defence camps” where young Hindu men are trained in the use of weapons. It also refers to events where trishuls — sharpened tridents with religious significance in Hinduism — are distributed among participants who take oaths to “protect Hindu society, women, cows and saints”.

Genocide Watch says such mobilisation reflects organised preparation for targeted violence.

The report further states that inflammatory speeches at rallies have increased since 2014, when Narendra Modi became prime minister. It highlights a speech delivered in 2023 by T Raja Singh, a suspended BJP legislator from Telangana, who allegedly threatened violence against Muslim men in the context of the “Love Jihad” conspiracy theory.

“‘If any circumcised [Muslim] indulges in Love Jihad, oh son, you are half-cut, we will cut you completely,’” Singh was quoted as saying at a rally.

The “Love Jihad” narrative claims that Muslim men deliberately marry Hindu women to convert them to Islam. Critics describe it as an unfounded conspiracy theory used to fuel communal tensions.