DEHRADUN: Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, and surrounding areas have seen a significant rise in alleged “love jihad” cases, where young, often underprivileged Hindu girls are lured into romantic relationships, with the intention of religious conversion. In response, several Hindu organisations have launched initiatives to combat the trend, aiming to protect vulnerable girls and prevent forced conversions. These groups, including Hindu Jagran Manch, Rudra Sena, and Vaidik Mission, have mobilised their volunteers across the region to confront what they see as a growing problem.
Alarming Rise in Cases of Love Jihad
Rakesh Tomar “Uttarakhandi,” a leader of Rudra Sena, claims that Muslim men from neighbouring regions are targeting girls, particularly from the Jaunsar Bawar tribal belt. He states that these men use fake identities and various manipulative tactics to lure underprivileged and minor girls into romantic relationships, eventually subjecting them to sexual exploitation. According to Tomar, after trapping these girls in their sinister plans, their abusers record videos and blackmail them, eventually coercing them into converting to Islam.
In a disturbing revelation, Tomar stated that over the past two and a half years, Rudra Sena has successfully rescued 38 girls from what he terms as the “clutches of love jihad.” These girls were reunited with their families, and the organisation claims to have filed police reports as evidence of their work. He further alleges that these cases often involve taking girls to areas like Pashwa Doon, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, where they are further exploited.
Vaidik Mission’s Legal Battle
Jagdveer Saini, a key figure from Vaidik Mission, echoed similar concerns. He mentioned that the Pashwa Doon region has witnessed at least 43 such cases, many of which are currently under legal scrutiny. The organisation is actively fighting in court on behalf of four poor girls who, according to Saini, were victimised by Muslim men posing as potential romantic partners. He emphasised that not only minors but even adult women are often influenced and deceived in such situations and they become victims of love jihad.
Saini also raised concerns about cases of love jihad that remain unreported, hidden within the folds of missing person files that have been closed without adequate investigation. He fears that these missing girls who have bene the victims of love jihad may either have been forced into religious conversion or fallen prey to human trafficking.
Hindu Jagran Manch’s Ongoing Efforts
Mukesh Anand, representing the Hindu Jagran Manch, highlighted that over the last decade, their organisation has encountered 585 cases of “love jihad.” He stressed that most of the victims were minors, and the organisation has been instrumental in reuniting them with their families, while also providing them with legal assistance.
Government and Police’s Response
Dr. Geeta Khanna, Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, expressed concern over the changing demographic landscape in Uttarakhand. She stated that many Muslim men from outside the state have been implicated in targeting minor Hindu girls. Her commission has also handled numerous such cases.
Kusum Kandwal, Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, acknowledged the growing trend of “love jihad” and emphasized that her office has directed the police to thoroughly investigate cases of missing women, given the possibility of religious coercion or trafficking.
Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar confirmed that the police have been taking stringent action against offenders involved in such cases, especially under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He revealed that numerous cases involving the exploitation of minor girls by individuals from other communities have been reported, and the police have responded with appropriate legal action.
Political Commitment
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also taken a strong stance on the issue, declaring that incidents of “love jihad” and “land jihad” will not be tolerated in Uttarakhand. He assured the public that any case that surfaces will be met with swift and severe legal consequences. His firm remarks come amidst growing pressure from Hindu organizations to address what they perceive as an escalating threat to the state’s social and religious fabric.
Meanwhile, state authorities and police forces have also vowed to address these concerns through legal and investigative means.
