Post-Pahalgam Developments and Collective Identity
The aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in India has sparked a discourse involving three key social constituencies, each influencing India's collective identity and national response. These developments highlight a shift in national ethos, reflecting changes since India's independence in 1947.
1. War Romanticization
- A significant pro-war sentiment emerged, treating war as a simplistic solution for national issues, particularly with Pakistan.
- There is a tendency to romanticize war without appreciating its grave consequences, influenced by media and certain public figures.
- Despite a retired Chief of the Army Staff reminding the dangers, war was seen as a primary approach to national defense and foreign policy.
2. Undoing Partition
- This constituency views Pakistan as an existential threat that should be eradicated, ignoring the geopolitical context.
- There is a belief that India's nationhood relies on violence and the erasure of perceived enemies.
- Such beliefs challenge the ideals of diversity and inclusion, fostering a narrative of cultural and historical erasure.
3. Anti-Muslim Sentiment
- The attack amplified anti-Muslim sentiments, equating Indian Muslims with Pakistanis and terrorists.
- Social media and public rhetoric have shown a strong anti-Muslim bias, without clear political disapproval.
- The government's symbolic actions, like appointing a Muslim spokesperson, failed to address or delegitimize these prejudices.
These constituencies are not new, deeply embedded in India's socio-political landscape, overlapping to form a narrative aligned with Hindutva nationalism. This perspective positions Muslims as perpetual adversaries and legitimizes the use of force in national discourse.
Implications for Nationalism
The convergence of these ideas during crises can redefine nationalism in exclusionary ways, emphasizing pseudo-nationalism over inclusive nation-building. Political leadership faces a choice between embracing rhetoric or adopting a statesmanlike approach.
