Question

India is a secular state. As such communal violence is a threat to Indian secularism. But many times the central government and the state governments failed to control communal violence and to foster communal harmony. Anti Muslim riots in Gujarat is an example. Can you carefully explain the Gujarat riot?

Answer 1

In the months of February and March, Gujarat witnessed large scale anti Muslim riots. It was caused by an incident that took place at the Godhra railway station. A compartment in which the “Karsevaks” were travelling after performing ‘karseva’ at Ayodhya was on re by some people. Many Hindus thought it was the Muslims who set Fire to the compartment resulting in anti Muslim riots in Gujarat. More than 1100, mostly Muslims, were killed.

The National Human Rights Commission vehemently criticised the Gujarat Government for not preventing the riots. The Election Commission ordered the postponement of elections. Things happened in such a way that many people suspected that the Gujarat Government was favouring the anti Muslim rioters. Whatever might be the truth, such things are not good for our secularism and democracy.