‘Social media spreading hatred in rural Gujarat'

AHMEDABAD: A document on communal violence in 2018, Deepening Roots of Communalism in Gujarat, by way of a city-based human rights group, Buniyaad, states that 46% of incidents of communal violence in rural Gujarat in 2018 have been triggered by way of the spread of hate messages through social media. The study says 13 incidents of communal violence have been reported in rural Gujarat in 2018.

“Communal riots in the past have been restricted to urban spaces. The spread of communal hatred and violence to rural spaces has transform obtrusive in the ultimate couple of years and endured in 2018. Social media platforms are a tool to spread hatred along religious traces,” the study says.


In 2018, communal violence was reported in Kherda (Anand), Halvad (Morbi), Matar (Kheda), Chhatral (Gandhinagar), Sherpur (Idar), Vadali (Sabarkantha), Vaktapur (Sabarkantha), Sanjeli (Dahod) and Eral (Panchmahal) villages but even so Fatehpura, Waghodiya and Nyay Mandir spaces of Vadodara district, in keeping with the study.

“In six of those 13 incidents, social media had a key role in the spread of hate messages which sooner or later triggered communal tension and violence,” said Hozefa Ujjaini, who leads Buniyaad.

“For instance, at Fatehpura in Vadodara, an alleged incident of stone-pelting at a Ram Navami procession, triggered a rebellion between two communities. According to locals, unidentified miscreants hurled stones at the procession, which brushed the statue of Lord Ram mounted atop an open truck. Provocative messages have been then circulated on WhatsApp, which fuelled the riots,” he added.


Analysis of communal incidents in Gujarat published that religious gala's, processions, rallies, inter-religious relationships, derogatory/debatable songs, eve-teasing and hate speech are trigger-points for communal riots.


Gujarat had 1.06 crore internet subscribers in rural spaces as on December 2018, in keeping with data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Explaining the have an effect on of false messages on the rural populace, sociologist Gaurang Jani said, “Social media has given the agricultural population a platform to provide their views. However, the mindset of rural other people is in most cases reasonably conservative and therefore, faux information or messages on issues like inter-religious marriages cross viral and will spark struggle very simply.”


The study additionally analysed the financial losses incurred. Based on data from FIRs and investigation by way of the researchers, losses to the music of Rs 2.62 crore have been brought about in these 13 incidents.


‘Social media spreading hatred in rural Gujarat' ‘Social media spreading hatred in rural Gujarat' Reviewed by Kailash on April 23, 2019 Rating: 5
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