‘Hatred, bigotry and untruth’: communal violence grips India

Country appears more divided than ever along Hindu-Muslim lines - and for many, Modi's BJP is to blame

The procession had begun peacefully. Marching through the streets of Delhi's Jahangirpuri district on Saturday, the crowds had gathered to celebrate the Hindu festival of Hanuman Jayanti. But the peace did not last long. As the evening drew in, a section of the parade clad in saffron, the signature colour of Hindu nationalism, began to brandish swords and pistols, and loudly shout provocative communal slogans.

Ignoring previous agreements between Hindu and Muslim residents for the procession to avoid passing by a local mosque, they charged toward it.