Subject: Internal Security

The recent surge in mob violence across India, exemplified by the 2023 Manipur ethnic clashes and incidents of cow vigilantism, has emerged as a critical challenge to law and order, threatening the social fabric and constitutional values of our democracy.

Causes of Mob Violence

Socio-Cultural Factors:

• Religious and Caste Tensions: Deep-rooted social prejudices and communal divisions fuel violent mob behavior (e.g., cow vigilantism incidents in various states).
• Social Media Misinformation: Rapid spread of unverified information and fake news through WhatsApp and other platforms triggers panic and violent reactions.
• Cultural Stereotypes: Preconceived notions about certain communities lead to targeted violence.

Structural Issues:

• Weak Law Enforcement: Poor police-to-population ratio and inadequate training in crowd management.
• Political Patronage: Tacit support from local political entities emboldening mob activities.
• Economic Disparities: Unemployment and poverty creating fertile ground for social unrest.

Consequences of Mob Violence

Immediate Impact:

• Loss of Life and Property: Physical harm to victims and destruction of public/private property.
• Social Trauma: Creation of fear psychosis among vulnerable communities.
• Breakdown of Law: Erosion of faith in legal system (only 15% conviction rate in mob lynching cases between 2017-2023).

Long-term Effects:

• Economic Disruption: Business closures and reduced investment in affected areas.
• Social Polarization: Deepening of communal divides and trust deficit.
• International Image: Negative impact on India's global reputation and tourism potential.

Way Forward

Legislative Measures:

• Strengthening implementation of Supreme Court's Guidelines on Mob Lynching.
• Establishing fast-track courts for speedy trials.
• Enhanced penalties for social media platforms spreading fake news.

India needs a multi-pronged approach combining strict law enforcement, community engagement, and social awareness to address this menace. The success of initiatives like Project MASOOM (Mobile App to Secure Organizations and Ordinary Masses) demonstrates that technological solutions coupled with community policing can effectively combat mob violence.