Do you know what really happened on December 6, 1992, when a mob tore down the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh?
We’re not here to speculate or spread rumors. Instead, we’re looking at the findings of Justice MN Liberhan, who was tasked by the Indian government to investigate the demolition.
Justice Liberhan’s Investigation
Justice Liberhan was appointed in 1992 to head the Liberhan Commission, which was set up to probe the circumstances leading to the Babri Masjid demolition. The commission took an unprecedented 17 years to submit its report, which was finally tabled in Parliament in 2009.
The report makes for disturbing reading. It reveals that the demolition was not just a spontaneous act of mob violence but a well-planned conspiracy involving senior politicians, Hindutva activists, and even some government officials.
According to the report, the conspiracy began in the late 1980s, with the formation of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which aimed to build a temple at the disputed site. The movement was spearheaded by Hindutva groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The report also points to the involvement of senior politicians, including some from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It alleges that they provided logistical and financial support to the VHP and RSS, which helped to fuel the agitation.
One of the most shocking findings of the report is that some government officials were in cahoots with the VHP and RSS. It alleges that they provided them with sensitive information about the security arrangements at the disputed site, which helped the mob to carry out the demolition.
Conspiracy Unfolds
The report provides a detailed account of how the conspiracy unfolded. It reveals that the VHP and RSS had been planning the demolition for months, with the help of their allies in the BJP and other Hindutva groups.
The report also highlights the role of some senior BJP leaders, including LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who were part of the VHP’s Ram Rath Yatra in 1990. The yatra was a key event in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which helped to galvanize public opinion in favor of the temple.
The report alleges that the BJP leaders provided political support to the VHP and RSS, which helped to legitimize their actions. It also points to the involvement of some senior bureaucrats, including the then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, who was accused of providing support to the VHP and RSS.
The report’s findings are a damning indictment of the Indian political establishment’s handling of the Babri Masjid issue. It raises serious questions about the role of politicians and bureaucrats in promoting communal violence and undermining the rule of law.
What’s Next?
The Liberhan report has significant implications for Indian politics and society. It highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of sensitive issues like the Babri Masjid dispute.
The report also raises questions about the role of Hindutva groups in promoting communal violence and undermining the Constitution. It’s a timely reminder of the need for Indians to stand up against extremism and promote tolerance and understanding.
As we reflect on the Liberhan report, we’re reminded of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion or community.
In the end, the Liberhan report is a sobering reminder of the dangers of communal politics and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of sensitive issues like the Babri Masjid dispute.