**Hussein Ahmed**, a young *Hafez Quran* (one who has memorized the Holy Quran) from Latimara, Assam, became the latest victim of India’s escalating anti-Muslim violence and discrimination. His ordeal—a brutal assault at Kolkata Airport—has sparked fury among activists and citizens alike, further exposing the systemic Islamophobia plaguing the country.
#### **A Journey Marred by Hate**
Hussein, who lost his eyesight due to typhoid, was traveling from Mumbai to Silchar in hopes of advanced medical treatment. His family, unable to afford accompanying him, sent him alone. At Kolkata Airport, tragedy struck. While searching for his seat on **Indigo Airlines Flight 6E 136**, he was **violently slapped by a Hindu passenger, Piyush Karmakar**, simply for being a Muslim. Eyewitnesses reported that the airline staff **ignored Hussein’s plight**, instead **consoling the attacker** rather than assisting the blind victim .
#### **Indigo’s Delayed Response & Police Inaction**
The incident, which occurred around **1:00 PM**, only gained attention after a fellow Muslim passenger shared the video on social media. Facing public backlash, Indigo issued a **token statement at 6:00 PM**, promising action against the assaulter. However, by then, the flight had already landed in Silchar at **2:00 PM**, and Piyush had disappeared.
Even more alarming, Hussein **went missing for 12 hours** after landing. His family, distraught and fearing the worst, alleged that **local Hindu officials may have subjected him to further abuse** before he finally reached home late at night. His father, **Abdul Mannan Majumder**, collapsed multiple times from shock, while the community mourned the injustice .
#### **A Pattern of Anti-Muslim Violence in India**
This incident is not isolated. India has seen a **sharp rise in Islamophobic attacks**, often fueled by **Hindu nationalist rhetoric** and **government inaction**:
- **Cow Vigilante Lynchings**: Since 2017, at least **10 Muslim men** have been publicly lynched by Hindu mobs over false allegations of cow smuggling or beef consumption .
- **Hate Speech & Calls for Genocide**: Hindu extremist leaders, including BJP politicians, have openly called Muslims **“snakes”** and demanded their **“elimination”** .
- **Punitive Demolitions**: Muslim homes and businesses are **bulldozed without due process**, despite Supreme Court bans .
- **Social Media Radicalization**: Anti-Muslim propaganda spreads unchecked, with coordinated campaigns amplifying Islamophobia .
#### **Global Condemnation, Local Apathy**
While international organizations like **Amnesty International** have condemned India’s hate crimes , the ruling BJP government **downplays or justifies** such violence. Police often **fail to prosecute attackers**, leaving victims like Hussein without justice.
#### **Demanding Accountability**
Hussein’s case must not be forgotten. We demand:
1. **Immediate arrest of Piyush Karmakar** and a transparent investigation.
2. **Disciplinary action against Indigo Airlines** for negligence.
3. **Stronger legal measures** against Islamophobic hate crimes.
**#JusticeForHussein** **#StopIs
lamophobiaInIndia** **#Fridepost**
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