Humra Quraishi’s reflections on a year of upheaval for minorities, where state actions and identity politics have eroded trust. This year-end retrospective urges readers to confront uncomfortable truths. The #Newsdesk reports…

Photography & Design: Vinta Nanda

As 2024 ends, The Daily Eye reflects on the state of minorities in India through the lens of Humra Quraishi's incisive writing. Her pieces highlight the erosion of democratic norms, the weaponization of state machinery, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly in Uttar Pradesh under BJP governance. From targeted demolitions to polarizing policies, her reporting highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice. This retrospective examines the roots of these systemic issues and calls for a united effort to uphold the constitutional promise of equality and dignity for all Indians.

The Daily Eye brings to light reflections from its distinguished writer, Humra Quraishi, whose observations throughout the year have meticulously chronicled the state of minorities in India. From the razing of homes in Uttar Pradesh to the escalating polarization in the socio-political fabric, her writings have been a poignant mirror to a nation grappling with challenges to its democratic ideals.

India stands at a crossroads, reflecting on a year fraught with challenges, particularly for its minority communities. Uttar Pradesh, the nation’s most populous state, remains emblematic of the struggles and insecurities faced by minorities as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to push towards its vision of a majoritarian state. For those living on the margins, this year has been a sobering reminder of how deeply rooted societal biases and institutional failures can erode the promise of equality enshrined in the Constitution.

Injustice in the Name of Order

The images of homes being reduced to rubble—predominantly those of Muslim families—are not just scenes of physical destruction; they represent a chilling metaphor for the systematic dismantling of rights and dignity. In The Daily Eye’s February 2024 piece by Humra Quraishi had noted: "When the state itself becomes the perpetrator, whom do the marginalized turn to for justice? The act of demolishing homes without notice, often under the guise of law enforcement, is not just unconstitutional but inhumane. It strips away the safety net of a roof, a place where children dream, families bond, and memories are made."

From the June 2022 demolitions in response to protests against derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad to the tragic incidents surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal this November, the patterns are unmistakable. Aimed at penalizing dissent and entrenching fear, these demolitions have sidestepped legal processes, leaving countless families shattered.

The Role of Resistance

Throughout this ordeal, opposition parties and civil society have been voices of conscience, even as their power to influence policy diminishes. In April 2024, Humra Quraishi had, in her in-depth analysis, noted: "For every home razed in Uttar Pradesh, a hundred voices rise, demanding justice—not just for the affected families but for the ideals of equality and fairness that India once championed."

Leaders like Akhilesh Yadav have repeatedly called out the government for its divisive tactics, framing the demolitions as unconstitutional and a direct assault on the democratic fabric. Meanwhile, activists and organizations have tirelessly documented the human cost of this aggression, drawing international attention to the plight of affected communities.

A Troubling Legacy

The issue at hand is not merely about demolitions or the targeting of a specific community. It is about the steady erosion of democratic norms and the normalization of a state apparatus that disregards due process. Again in her September 2024 piece, Humra Quraishi had warned: "The danger of identity politics lies in its ability to redefine governance. When governments prioritize the suppression of dissent over the welfare of their citizens, democracy becomes a mere facade, masking the ugly truths of oppression."

The BJP’s actions in Uttar Pradesh speak of a broader strategy of using identity politics to consolidate power. By building on an "us versus them" narrative, the party seeks to galvanize its core voter base while sidelining pressing issues like unemployment, inflation, and economic distress.

The seeds of this crisis were sown long ago, rooted in decades of political neglect, religious polarization, and weak institutional safeguards. However, the current environment has escalated these tensions, amplifying the divide between communities. In October 2024, Humra Quraishi reflected: "This is not the India of our Constitution's dreams, but one shaped by the nightmares of exclusion. The increasing insecurity among minorities is a symptom of a deeper ailment—a state willing to forgo justice for political expediency."

The Road Ahead

As we prepare to turn the page on 2024, the question before us is not just about the future of Uttar Pradesh or any single community—it is about the future of India itself. Will we choose the path of inclusivity and justice, or will we allow the politics of fear and division to define our identity?

The voices of minorities, activists, and opposition leaders remind us of the stakes. Their resistance stresses a simple but profound truth: democracy is not about the might of the majority but the dignity of all its people. A November 2024 editorial by Quraishi concluded: "A pluralistic democracy can only survive if its foundation is trust, not fear. The path forward requires every Indian to reclaim the ideals of equality, justice, and fraternity—before it is too late."

As the year ends, let us reflect on the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: "Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy." In these uncertain times, may we find the courage to uphold this ideal and create a future where no Indian feels unsafe in their own land.