by Daniel M. Silverman

India has always been highly tolerant of different practicing religions in its country. But, recently, when a Hindu majority party has received control of the country, that tolerance has almost disappeared.

While there has been many instances of Hindu-Christianity violence and conflict, recently, it has been Hindu-Muslim conflicts causing the most problems. Last year, Muslim extremists attacked the Swaminarayan temple in Gandhinagar. This is a temple popular with several religious groups including Hindus, Muslims, Jews and Christians because of its Hall of Harmony, which contains scriptures from all of the major world religions. This attack is viewed as an attack on religious tolerance.

India has also had much conflict with Pakistan and the Kashmir region. The region has been on the verge of starting a war between the countries over culture and land clashes. More terrifying is the fact that both countries are capable of using nuclear weapons. Both countries have gone as far as threatening to use them if necessary.

A ceasefire is in effect in the region but many doubt it will last, according to a recent BBC article. There is fear that after the cold winter months are over, the region might heat up again to more violence.

The ceasefire is being seen as more of an act of who can look like the bigger peacemaker between the two countries. Whether peace is something that happens between the two countries remain to be seen. To the rest of the world, the two countries are competing to try and look like the one making the most progress towards peace.