India’s Hindu Right Seems Unstoppable. This City Shows How.

NYT Homepage

by Mujib Mashal, Suhasini Raj and Saumya Khandelwal

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

India’s Hindu Right movement continues to gain momentum, as evidenced by tensions in Sambhal, a city where Muslims, despite forming a majority, feel increasingly marginalized and suppressed following deadly clashes over a historic mosque. In November 2024, violent confrontations erupted at the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque, with police, led by a former Olympic wrestler known for his aggressive tactics, clashing with Muslim residents who were defending the site. At least five people were killed as tensions escalated, highlighting the growing divide between Hindu nationalist groups and Muslim communities. The mosque, one of India’s oldest, holds significant cultural and religious importance for Muslims in Sambhal. However, it has long been a target of Hindu nationalists, who claim it was built on a sacred Hindu site and have sought its demolition through legal battles. These efforts align with broader Hindu nationalist ideologies that view such structures as symbols of foreign invasion and cultural domination. The rapid escalation of tensions in Sambhal reflects the increasing influence of the Hindu Right, which is leveraging local governments, police forces, and judicial systems to consolidate power. For Muslims in northern India, the clash over the Shahi Jama Masjid underscores a broader sense of vulnerability. They feel increasingly stifled by state actions, as authorities prioritize Hindu nationalist agendas over community rights. The incident has sparked concerns about religious freedom and minority rights in India, particularly as Hindu nationalism continues to dominate political discourse. Sambhal serves as a microcosm for the larger struggle between cultural identity and political power, making it a critical case study for understanding India’s evolving religious landscape. The situation in Sambhal also raises questions about the future of interfaith relations in India. As Hindu nationalist groups gain influence, minority communities face growing challenges in asserting their rights. The clash at the Shahi Jama Masjid not only reflects the tensions between competing narratives of history and identity but also highlights the broader implications for social cohesion in India. For readers interested in South Asian politics, religious conflict, and human rights, Sambhal’s story offers a

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026