A trishul is a type of traditional trident in some parts of India, seen as part of traditional religion, but which can also be used as a lethal weapon.
Trishuls have been systematically distributed to followers of the VHP during the 1990s and the beginning of the 21st century [1]. This is seen by some as creating a paramilitary security force. In the context of ethnic stereotypes being common against both Muslims and Hindus, this is seen by some as increasing the level of violence in a pre-existing conflict.
