Babri Masjid demolition


Riots broke out in Bangalore, Mysore, Gulbarga, Bidar and to some extent Hubli/ Dharwad and South Kanara. 78 people died, out of which33 died in police firings. Starting from the 7th of December, 1992, the riots went on for about a month. Curfew was called for in most places in Bangalore. Mysore, which remained calm, turned violent on 8/12/92 when one person was stabbed and 7 were injured in group clashes. There were 28 incidents of stabbing on 11/12/92, supposed to be the outcome of killing a youth on 8/12/92. 14 died in the riots at Bidar, where crowds indulged in arson and looting. 11 died at Gubarga where irate mobs threw stones on houses and shops. Raichur, Raidurg, Chitradurga, Mangalore, Mandya and Tumkur also experience riots. Dakshina Kannada was one of the most seriously affected districts in the state- 8 people were killed in the riots that erupted in 6 of its taluks, 100s were injured and property worth lakhs of Rupees were destroyed.



Also see:
A Study of the Communal Situation in Belgaum, Dharwad and Hubli by CFD-K/PUCL-K Team.

A CFD-K/PUCL-K team comprising Sri Sudra Srinivas, Editor “Sudra” and renowned kannada writer, Dr. Ramdas Rao, Reader in English, Bangalore University, and member of CFD-K and PUCL-K, Sri S R Hiremath, Regional Secretary, CFD-K and Secretary, PUCL-K, resolved to study the communal situation in Belgaum, Dharwad and Hubli and prepare a report for remedial action.

Sriyuths Sudra, Ramdas Rao and Mansur visited Belgaum on 27.12.92 and met members of the Citizens Peace Committee, comprising Gandhians, Trade Unionists, women and Social Activists and held discussions on the situation in Belgaum. Thanks to the sustained work of this committee over a period of time, meeting on every Sunday to plan strategies to maintain communal harmony. Belgaum was free from violence despite the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. The two groups shared their experiences in promoting understanding among people. Sri Sadashiva Rao Bhosale, Sri Deshpand, Smt Dilip Kamat, and elderly members of the Muslim community briefed the team on the activities of the committee.

In the evening, a hall meeting was held in the local public library which was attended by a large number of people, belonging to all communities. Addressing them in Kannada, Sri Sudth exhorted them not to let communal forces hijack the legend of Sri Ram but to strengthen local legends and myths to combat communal poison. He called in them to fight the communal canker that was eating into the body politic and uproot it. Talking to them in English, Dr Ramdas Rao posed questions relating to communism and secularism in order to provoke a lively discussion. Addressing them in Urdu, Prof Mansur characterized communalism as a fundamental threat to the right of life of individuals and whole communities, threat to the right of equality and to the right of faith.

Sri Sadashiva Rao Bhosale, who presided, addressed them in Marathi, explaining the evil consequences of communalized politics and called on the youth present to carry on a sustained struggle against it. He was followed by Sri Ram Apte, advocate and social activist, and Sri Deshpande who appealed to all not to let communalism divide the people. Boys and girls participated in the discussion that followed and displayed keen interest in seeking clarity regarding secularism and democratic values. Smt Kamat, an old and respected freedom fighter, evinced keen interest in the proceedings. Plans were drawn up to carry the message of peace and harmony to schools and colleges through the NSS and other organizations.

This three-member team went to Dharwad, where Sri S R Hiremath joined them. They were assisted by Sri Dilshad, Principal of Anjuman-e-Islam College, Dharwad and Sri Mokashi of Anjuman-e-Islam. In the morning, Sriyuths Sudra and Mansur visited the family of Arvind B Kalavadi, aged 22, who had been stabbed to death. The mother and the sister of the deceased gave all the details of the horrifying incident. Pieced together, this narrative with information from the police, and accounts of responsible incidents, the team felt that this brutal murder was the outcome of private vendetta and had little to do with the riots. Then they met Veerabhadrappa, a peon working in a nationalized back, who had been stabbed by a mob of Muslims while he was engaged in washing the chariot of Veerabhadra temple.

While giving details of this incident, he told the team that he did not reveal immediately the injuries he had suffered for fear of incensing his community against his assailants. It was learnt that the chief minister had visited him in hospital and sanctioned Rs 1000/- towards his medical expenses.
In the afternoon, Sriyuths Sudra and Mansur accompanied by Sri Mokashi visited the family of Mehboob Sab Dhori of Writer’s Galli, Ravivarpet, who had been stabbed by unknown assailants in his flour mill. When no Muslim dared to accompany him, two Hindu girls escorted him during curfew hours. He was shifted to the hospital with the aid of the police. He has been given Rs.1000 as compensation.

The team visited Tadkodgalli in Ranangpura where Muslims live in poverty. Women told the team that they were beaten up by the police and displayed injuries suffered. One of them, wife of Jalanis’ab of Jamai Masjid Galli, produced an x-ray film of her injured limb. They alleged that the police have given protection to one Mehta, a BJP leader living in the locality. Sure enough, the police found a police van parked near his house. They also complained that innocent boys were picked up, taken to the police station and beaten up by the police. They spoke to Jamis K M Khasib Saheb, who corroborated the accounts of the behavior of the police as described by all these people.

The team met Sri Mohammed M Chowdary, advocate, who produced court documents of cases involving not only Muslims but also Dalits. He alleged that false cases had been filed by planting weapons in the homes of the accused. He produced Lakshman Kale, a dalit and Janata Dal activist, who had been charged under P.S.Cri no. 430/1992. He alleged hat people of upper castes were protected by the police. According to Sri Raje Sab Dandikop, sweets were distributed in police stations on 6.12.92 to celebrate the demolition of Babri Masjid.

Yet all sections of Muslims met by the team were lavish in their praise for Bhimsen Rao Sindhe, tahsildar, as an officer of integrity. They also praised Sri Gopal Hosur, DCP, for having monitored the violence in the day and night and controlling it. But they were critical of Sri B GB Paliz, Circle Inspector of Police, accusing him of partnership. They also complained about the role of some Marwari businessmen in stoking the fires of communalism.
Sri Ramdas Rao made a day-long visit to Uppina Bettigeri, Dharwad district, which suffered a communal riot on the night of 21.12.92. As a result of the riot, 17 Muslim shops were damaged and 15 Muslims were stabbed and 1 Hindu killed (more about the death later). From his conversations with various people in the village (village elders, religious leaders, riot victims, including women), he has tried to reconstruct the sequence of events which as follow:

Uppina bettigeri, with a total population of 12000(about 40% consisting of Muslims) had never known of communal trouble of any kind. Immediately after the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, prominent citizens of the village, including C V Pudakalkatti, ex MLA, and Shah Peer Jan, ex-secy, Khadi Gramodyog Bavan (local organization) et to form a Peace Committee to prevent communal violence and maintain communal peace. The village remained largely peaceful through the aftermath of the Ayodhya incident; the first sign of trouble appeared on the night of 12.12.92 when some Hindus alleged that a few stones were thrown at a temple on Hanuman Koppa (where 2 temples and 1 mosque are located next to one another). However the Peace Committee was able to soothe the frayed tempers and restore order.

On 21.12.92, around dusk, the temple was rumored to have been stoned again. (A preliminary inspection of the temple does not show any damage due to the alleged stoning). This time, a mob of around 200 persons gathered in front of the temple, intent upon attacking Muslims and their property. Coincidently, telephone and electricity were disconnected simultaneously (according to some Muslims, deliberately). Hearing these reports, some Muslims, including G R Jhavalgi, Nazir Beg and Baba Jan went to collect Pudakalkatti (ex-MLA) from his house. On the way, Nazir Beg was captured by the violent mob, taken away to Hanuman Koppa and tied up to a pole in front of the temple. He was told he would be killed if Muslims resorted to reprisals during the night. On reaching Hanuman Koppa, Pudakalkatti found a violent crowd of about 300 youths throwing stones at Muslim houses. He tried to pacify the crowd, but with little success. Fortunately, 2 Hindus, Chanbasappa and Kottappa (the son of Pudakalkatti) managed to rescue Nazir Beg and take him home.

Full-scale rioting had started by this time, as a mob of about 200 youths proceeded from the temple on a rampage. First, 15 Muslim houses were attacked and damaged, their families were chased away, and the property (including agriculture produce and household belongings) looted systematically. The mob next turned its furry on the Muslim shops. Interestingly enough, while Muslim shops rented by Muslim owners were looted, while shops rented by Hindu owners were spared. In all 12 Muslims shops were attacked. Among others the provision shops of Abdul Khadar and Miya Nayak were looted and destroyed; Babazan Mullal’s 3 tailoring machines were wrecked. Hissan’s radio-shop suffered damages to the extent of Rs 20,000; B A Bijapur, President of M G Hallur High School and owner of a cloth shop, a mill and a provision store, reported that 2 of his stores were looted resulting in a loss of 2 lakhs. Lal Mia’s store, which was also looted, reportedly suffered a loss of Rs 4 lakhs. A few days later, government officials visited the affected Muslim businessmen, and awarded compensation ranging from Rs6000 to Rs10, 000.

According to the Dharwad Town (Rural District) Police Station, the final tally of the communal riots at Uppinabettigeri on 21.12.92 is as follows:

Loss of property is reported to be Rs 3, 339, 00 (Rs 2874000 according to panchama); 11 Muslims injured; compensation paid out Rs 1 lakh so for. A preliminary inquiry has been launched against 29 persons.

According to the Muslims I talked to, the communal riot was the result of a pre-meditated conspiracy. (Intriguingly, a week before the attack on the temple, a muslim businessman had learnt from his Hindu servant about a rumor floating around among Hindus about the attack on the temple, and the servant told not to go to his masters house). The village had known complete harmony till about 1 and a half years ago when one businessman known as “Seth” involved in the local Raith Sangha reportedly started an RSS/VHP outfit in the village, organizing meetings of Hindu youth and training them, about 8 months ago he took out a Khaki presentation of these youth. (The police claim to have no evidence of “Seth”). It is these misguided young Hindus who, along with some other anti social elements from the neighboring villages swelled the ranks of the mob that ravaged Uppinabettigeri on 21.12.93. The muslims of the village maintain that except for these youths, who have been communalized by the RSS, the Hindus of the village harbour no ill feelings towards the Muslims of the village. Two examples cited by the Muslims seem to bear this out: 1. The rescue of Nazir beg from hanumankoppa by his friends and, 2. During the looting of Muslim shops, the Hindu businessmen gave protection to their fellow Muslim businessmen from the mob on the prowl in this area. Infact, Hindus and muslims continue to have the same relation as before; however both feel that they cannot trust each other anymore. (A typical remark: ‘their behaviour towards us is the same, but we don’t know what is in their heart’). Peace committee meetings have definitely helped in cooling the atmosphere, but there is a palpable insecurity everywhere. Both Hindu and Muslim Businessmen feel insecure and haven’t resumed their business activities, with many of them clearing away their stock for safety.

Now for the brief explanation of the murder of Nagappa Pawar. Pawar belonged to Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha and was reportedly involved in a dispute over property with other members of the Sangha. According to Pathan, Secretary of Anjuman-e-Islam, his killing which took place in the non-muslim part of the village, had nothing to do with communal violence.

The role of the police in this communal riot also needs mentioning. A police party consisting of B D Patil and 6-7 policemen came to the village fully 5 hours after the incident at 3 am to make the arrests. The police, however, deny this. Ironically, the first persons to be arrested were the muslims affected by the violence, including Nazir beg, the victim of the Hindu mob. No specific charges were framed against these 4 muslims who were released a week after the incident (on 28.12.92) but were reportedly threatened with re-arrest under F.I.R unless they could provide clues about the other 4 Muslims whom the police couldn’t pick up.

Sriyuths S R Hiremath and Ramdas Rao visited the Dharwad District hospital and collected the following instruction about the people affected by the communal violence. Of the eleven casers of injuries (6 Muslims and 5 Hindus), 9 were discharged within 2 weeks; 1 person, Arvind Bhima Reddy, eventually succumbed to the injuries.

Sri Ramdas Rao also visited two riot-affected localities of Dharwad, and met families of the victims. The first stabbing victim in Dharwad was Hanumanthappa Nagappa Kattige of Bhoosappa chowk, a predominantly Muslim locality. On 6.12.92, as he was returning home at around 11 pm, he was attacked by about 15 men opposite Ravakur Masjid. He managed to escape their clutches, but alleges that he was refused water by the muslim women standing by. The police, who came to investigate the next day, were drunk and abusive, especially towards the women.

On 9.12.93, Shaktiappa Kariappa Sunagar, an attender in Karnataka Bank, was returning home at 7.00 pm through Saudagar Cahl, a curfew-bound area. There, he was attacked by 25 masked men (suspected to be Muslims), who also tried to burn his scooter and then ran away. Satyappa’s friends later doused the fire. Satyappa suffered injuries on the face, stomach and arms and lost a lot of blood. He was in the hospital for 13 days. Bhupenath Sandra, minister and D P Naik, M P. visited the area and promised relief to these and other victims. The tehsildar gave Satyappa Sunegar Rs 1000/- and the Pradesh Congress Committee awarded Rs 500 each to the affected families.

The families were uniformly critical of the police, who they alleged, during their investigation not only showed indifference to their plight, but were also abusive to their women. A common refrain among these Hindus was that the police always helped the muslims, and ignored the Hindus. They also alleged that before 6.12.92, inflammatory speeches were broadcast by the local mosques threatening dire consequences if the Babri Masjid was attacked. These Hindus seemed to react emotionally to the Ayodhya events and held all Muslims, including women and children, of being unremittingly hostile towards Hindus.

In the evening, the team met a number of citizens of Dharwad from all communities. Dr. Jamadar, President, Anjuman-e-Islamia, presided over it. It was addressed by members of the team, Sri S R Hiremath and local citizens. The communal situation in the country, and Daharwar in particular was discussed and measures to be take to counter it, including setting up of a Citizen’s committee on the lines of what had been done in Belgaum. It was suggested that a unit of CFD-K be set up for Hubli- Dharwad to plan action oriented programs. It was resolved to meet again shortly to act on these plans.

Sriyuths Hiremath and Mansur accomplaied by Sri Mokashi visited Hubli on 29.12.92. Hubli is one of the major cities of Karnataka where there are sizeable communities of lingayats, Brahmins and muslims. Pategars, a small community that is not a native of Karnataka, live here, and there is a long history of feuding between them and the Muslims. The former are accused of engaging themselves in illicit distillation and smuggling. The President of the BJP unit of Hubli belongs to this community.

Hubli has a history of communal tensions arising from two causes. The first is the Idgah (prayer ground) in the heart of the city. It belongs to the corporation which has permitted muslims to offer prayers on two occasions, i.e. Ramzan and Bakrid. The BJP has turned the Idgah into a bone of contention by threatening to celebrate Independence Day on August 15, 1992 on this ground, but it was foiled by the police and peace maintained precariously. Another dispute pertains to the Khabristan (cemetery) in Toravillakkal on National Highway 4. This dispute is before the Supreme Court awaiting a decision. These two issues have inflamed ill- feeling between the two communities.

Regarding the communal clashes in Hubli, Sri Hiremath talked to 3 Hindu victims and their families. Kababde and Mahrwade were working in the kabade’s bakery when it was ransacked on 7.12.92. Kababde died due to injuries and Mehrwade was injured. Three brothers in the Miskin family living at Aralikatti Oni were attacked by 15-20 men near Toravihakkal on 6th night around 9.45 pm. They sustained injuries. Sri Hiremath also met 2 police officials Sriyuths Achuth Rao, D.I.G, and Govind Chabbi, D.C.P. He also talked to Anasuya Arkeri, chairperson, Hubli Taluka mahila Congress Samiti, and 2 BJP activists, Ashok katwe, president, city unit, BJP, and Baddi spokesman for the press.

When the team called on Sri Ashok Katwe, President of the BJP unit of Hubli, he roundly blamed the Muslim for the violence, and mentioned that three members of his own caste were stabbed, though al of them survived. Sri Katwe, by the way, led the Kar Sevaks from Hubli to Ayodhya in December 1992.

Sriyuths Mansur and Mokashi called on the President of Anjuman-e-Inslam, Hubli, Sri Ismail Kalegudde, and the Secretary, Sri Pathan, and held long discussions with them. They learnt of the assistance given by Anjuman to the victims by way of rehabilitation and bail for the arrested, supply of food and clothes, etc. According to the statistics provided by the Anjuman, 8 shops were burnt and two shops looted; of the 24 shops destroyed, 14 belonged to Muslims and the rest non-muslims. A shop owned by Sir Bhoothe got burnt down owing to short-circuit, but muslims from the nearby mosque supplied water and fought the flames. Wakf properties in the district worth Rs 63,000 had been destroyed.

The Muslim leaders who the team met said that the behavior of the police, though not altogether impartial, was more or less restrained because the legislators representing Hubli- Dharwad happened to be Muslims. Yet, from the greater number of muslims arrested, it was obvious that the police had often been more vindictive. The suburban police station has gained notoriety for the behavior of the police. One case of stabbing took place in broad daylight in front of the traffic island, close to this station, yet the assailant has not been traced. The common accusation is that a police-criminal nexus is in operation, and illegal activities like matka and smuggling go unchecked. Another allegation is about the role of some Marwaris in this murky business.

It needs no reiteration that the majority among the dead, the injured and the arrested are the poor, most of them muslims. Among the injured are 12 muslims and 6 non-muslims. While the impression in Dharwad was that most of the assaults were in the nature of settling private scores, and not strictly communal, in Hubli it was downright animosity between Pattegars and Muslims.

In the evening, the team briefed the press on its findings which were tentative because the version of the police was yet to be had. (The officials were not available when the team visited theses cities). It was felt that the police had overreacted and a plea was made that they should shed their colonial legacy and accountable to the citizens. A demand was made for the release of the innocent, punishment of the guilty and expeditious disposal of cases.


RECOMMENDATIONS:
Since the State Government and its law and order agencies have been extremely lax, and in most cases partisan, a writ be filed in the High Court praying for appointment of a commission to go into the entire ramification of the communal riots in the state, and in particular, police excesses, damage in terms of lives and property and the rehabilitation of victims. The guilty should be given severe punishment.

Citizens’ committees be formed in every city/town to monitor the communal situation and to interact with the authorities to keep peace in the locality.

Appeal to the press to exercise restraint while reporting and highlight incidents of intercommunity amity.

Call on the State Government to undertake a program immediately to educate the people to be truly secular.

A sustained campaign to conscientize the people on the evils of communalism and highlight priorities like education, employment, fighting corruption, etc.

The State Minorities Commission should be activated and strengthened. It should redefine its approach radically so that it becomes a voice of the minorities at all levels. It should assume mandatory powers in monitoring the activities of the police and other administrative bodies. Its autonomy should be restored and its composition should be decided by the judiciary.

Annexures:
Appeal of Anjuman-e-Islam, Hubli dated 8.12.92.
Statement of damage to Wakf Institutions in Dharwad.
Cases filed against Muslims in Hubli (pages 1-7)
Statement of Karnataka Medical P G Hospital, of injured, undergoing treatment. (pages 1 and 2)
A&B. Statement of compensation to riot victims issued by Dharwad Zilla Office.
Statement of Dharwad District Hospital.