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Bhagwa Love Trap (BLT, transl. Saffron Love Trap) is a Hinduphobic[1] conspiracy theory that originated in social media.[2][3][4] The conspiracy theory alleges that Hindu men attempt to lure Muslim women into relationships with the intention of converting them into Hindus. Prominent within some Islamist right-wing groups in India,[3] the Bhagwa Love Trap conspiracy theory counters the allegations of the love jihad conspiracy theory, which claims that Muslim men seek to convert Hindu women through deceptive means.
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The concept of the "Bhagwa Love Trap" gained attention through social media platforms around mid 2020, where various posts sought to raise awareness about the perceived "threat" posed by Hindu men attempting to attract Muslim women. Pictures of a Hindu boy and a Muslim girl were posted on social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram and were labelled as alleged bhagwalovetrap.[2] Supporters of this narrative often cite statements and speeches made by certain Hindutva groups and leaders as evidence.[5][6][7]
In 2017, the Hindu Jagran Manch (HJM), an affiliate group of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), launched a campaign called "Beti Bachao, Bahu Lao" (Save Daughters, Bring Daughters-in-law), which encouraged Hindu men to marry Muslim women. The group claimed that it would facilitate the weddings of 2,100 such couples in the coming months, framing it as a measure to counter "Love Jihad" and promote "population control."[6]
Street harassment, moral policing and doxxing
Concerns have also been raised about incidents of Muslim vigilantism, where groups of young Muslim men have confronted Muslim girls found in the company of non-Muslim boys. These encounters have resulted in verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and in some cases, violence against both the girls and their companions.[6][5] Marriage certificates are posted on Instagram as bhagwalovetrap.[6] Journalists were threatened and trolled for opposing the on-street harassment of Muslim girls.[2] Hindu boys and Muslim girls are surrounded by a group of men and are forced to reveal their names, niqabs pulled and filmed.[6] Cases of mob harassing Muslim girls in burqa and niqab are seen in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Hyderabad, and other parts of Telangana.[3]
BBC reports that despite the lack of evidence supporting the conspiracies of "Bhagwa Love Trap" and "love jihad", the spread of this misinformation has had a significant negative impact on interfaith couples in India, leading to violence, harassment, and further hindering the acceptance of interfaith relationships in the country.[8]
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The term "Bhagwa Love Trap" emerged as a purported reverse of the "Love Jihad" narrative, claiming that Hindu boys pose as Muslims to attract Muslim girls and eventually convert them to Hinduism. However, there is a scarcity of reliable data or verifiable sources to substantiate these claims made by individuals within the Muslim community.[6][9]
Certain Hindu organizations have publicly expressed views suggesting the "claiming" of Muslim girls, which has been criticized for objectifying women and fostering fear within the Muslim community regarding their future in the country. Additionally, there have been instances of Hindu individuals engaging in online activities, such as "auctioning" Muslim girls, which have drawn condemnation. However, the existence of a grand conspiracy behind the alleged conversion of Muslim girls remains unverified.[6][5]
On 16 June 2023, Hindu Dharma Sena, a right-wing religious organization, declared a cash incentive of Rs 11,000 (US$1 = 82 INR) for any Hindu male who chooses to elope with and marry a Muslim girl.[10]
Responses and consequences
In response to the perceived "Bhagwa Love Trap," the Muslim community has taken counter measures like increased vigilance and surveillance of girls, leading to heightened policing and in some cases, harassment.[11] Certain videos and messages circulating within the community advise Muslim parents to monitor their daughters' activities, restrict their access to mobile phones, and enroll them exclusively in Muslim-only schools to prevent interactions with individuals from other religions.[12]
Critics argue that such actions contribute to the further exclusion and marginalization of Muslim women. Instead, they advocate the empowerment of girls through education, enabling them to make informed decisions about their life and relationships.[12][6]
Instances of moral policing by some individuals, particularly among youngsters, have been observed to be on the rise. Social media, including right-wing content, has played a role in disseminating incendiary videos that caution Muslim girls/women against befriending Hindu boys/men. However, there have been reports of misinterpretation of these messages, leading to incidents of moral policing by young Muslim men in Hyderabad, particularly when the girl/woman involved is Muslim. In response to this trend, some organizations in Hyderabad, such as the 'Iqra Bismi' CTI Institute, are organizing awareness programs to address the issue. One such program was scheduled on May 20 at Kabutar Khana, Hussaini Alam, with the topic of "How to Protect Our Sisters & Daughters from Apostasy In This Perfidy Time?". The program aimed to provide information and educate the community on the topic of growing interfaith friendships. Noted Muslim scholars were expected to participate in the event. These efforts seek to address the concerns surrounding moral policing and foster understanding among different faiths.[13]
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