On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid, located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, was demolished by a large mob of Hindu nationalists. The incident had profound and far-reaching consequences, triggering widespread communal riots and shaping the socio-political landscape of India. Here's an overview of the events leading to the Babri Masjid demolition:
Background:
- The Babri Masjid, built in the 16th century during the Mughal era, was located in Ayodhya, a city with religious significance for both Hindus and Muslims.
- Hindus believe that the site is the birthplace of Lord Rama, and the Babri Masjid was constructed on this site.
Ram Janmabhoomi Movement:
- The demand for the construction of a Ram Temple at the site gained momentum in the 1980s with the formation of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and other affiliated organizations.
- The movement, known as the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, sought to reclaim the site for the construction of a Ram Temple
Ayodhya Dispute:
- The Ayodhya dispute over the ownership of the site escalated over the years, leading to legal battles and communal tensions.
Demolition (December 6, 1992):
- December 6, 1992, marked a turning point in the Ayodhya dispute. Thousands of kar sevaks (Hindu volunteers) gathered near the Babri Masjid as part of a planned rally organized by the VHP and other groups.
- Despite assurances from leaders that the mosque would not be harmed, the situation escalated, and the crowd turned violent.
- A large mob breached the security cordon, scaled the mosque, and began demolishing it using pickaxes, hammers, and other tools.
- The demolition unfolded in full view of the public, the media, and government officials.
- On 6 December 1992 the VHP and the BJP organised a rally at the site involving 150,000 people. The rally turned violent, and the crowd overwhelmed security forces and tore down the mosque
Aftermath:
- The demolition triggered communal riots across India, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and extensive property damage.
- The incident had profound implications for inter-religious relations and India's political landscape.
- The government at the time faced criticism for its handling of the situation and its failure to prevent the destruction of the mosque.
Legal and Political Ramifications:
- The demolition led to legal proceedings, and various individuals and organizations were accused of conspiring to destroy the Babri Masjid.
- The Supreme Court of India delivered its verdict on the Ayodhya dispute in November 2019, ruling in favor of the construction of a Ram Temple at the site.
The Babri Masjid demolition remains a sensitive and contentious chapter in India's history, shaping discussions on secularism, religious tolerance, and the need for communal harmony. The aftermath of the incident continues to influence socio-political dynamics in the country.
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