A Muslim attack on a Hindu festival in Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh) killed one person. One of those killed was a young Hindu boy who sang bhajans at the event. An act of great violence followed, and his life ended tragically. 

This was no civil debate or even an argument that got out of hand—it was a targeted act of violence against people being a part of a holy procession. The bigger question that now comes forward is: why does it
always seems like Hindus are the ones who suffer, even while peacefully celebrating their festivals.

The Bahraich case serves as another tragic example of the insecurity that is experienced by Hindus even within their own four walls. Just a boy doing his religious thing got taken advantage of in a violent confrontation full of stone-throwing that turned into bloodshed, and the young lad was dead. He lost his life for showing faith in singing bhajans, beaming with pride.

Excitement and cheer during Diwali, Holi, or Navratri must be Indians' right. This Bahraich tragedy is one of thousands in which Hindus are targeted simply for their cultural and religious heritage. Let's not beat about the bush. The alarm here is indicative of a pattern. Muslim groups have had a habit of lashing out with violence whenever they see Hindus celebrating their religion with much fanfare. Why do our festival celebrations breed such hatred? Why can't we sing bhajans, perform rituals, or carry out processions without being attacked? Hindus are not seeking special status; they're seeking permission to peacefully celebrate their traditions.

Let’s not sugarcoat it—there is an alarming pattern here. Muslim groups have shown a tendency to react with violence when they see Hindus proudly celebrating their faith. What is it about our festivals that provoke such hatred? Why can’t we sing bhajans, perform rituals, or carry out processions without being attacked?

Hindus have been sitting on their hands, being the patient and tolerant people that we are, but this patience is now considered a vacuum of weakness. For how much longer would we allow ourselves to be the victims?

This isn’t an isolated case. This has not been the first time such an incident happened during the Ram Navami procession/during Durga Puja or any other festival. Muslim outrage, expressed by stone throwing and open violence, prevents Hindus from celebrating peacefully. Why was there such deep-seated anger and intolerance for Hindus practising their faith? It is a question that can no longer be put away.

Enough is enough. It's the country we belong to, and who says that anyone has a right to attack us when celebrating what we believe? Let the death of that young boy in Bahraich be not just added to an inventory but a shot across our boughs: Hindus Must Unite. We should hold accountable those who did this to us; we need justice.