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'{{pp-protected|reason=Persistent addition of [[WP:INTREF|unsourced or poorly sourced content]]; long-term problem, as per [[WP:RFPP]] request|small=yes}} {{short description|1992 religious riot in India}} {{good article}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}} {{Infobox civilian attack | partof = the [[Ayodhya dispute]] | title = Demolition of the Babri Masjid | image = Babri Masjid.jpg | caption = 19th–century photo of [[Babri Masjid]] | map = {{Location map|India |width = 300 |float = right |label = Ayodhya |marksize = 8 |lat_deg = 26.80 |lon_deg = 82.22 }} | map_caption = | location = [[Ayodhya]], India | coordinates = | target = Babri Masjid | date = {{start date and age|df=y|1992|12|6}} | time = | timezone = | type = Riots | fatalities = 2,000 (including ensuing riots)<ref name=BBC2>{{cite news|title=Timeline: Ayodhya holy site crisis|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1844930.stm|work=BBC News|date=17 October 2003|access-date=29 September 2010|archive-date=10 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210004223/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1844930.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | injuries = | perps = [[BOTH RELIGION GROUPS]] <ref>https://scroll.in/article/743554/yakub-memon-case-one-chart-that-shows-just-how-partisan-indias-criminal-justice-system-can-be</ref> | susperps = | weapons = }} The '''demolition of the Babri Masjid''' was carried out on 6 December 1992 by a large group of activists of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] and [[Sangh Parivar|allied organisations]]. The 16th-century [[Babri Masjid]] in the city of [[Ayodhya]], in [[Uttar Pradesh]], India, had been the subject of [[Ayodhya dispute|a lengthy socio-political dispute]], and was targeted after a political rally organised by [[Hindutva|Hindu nationalist]] organisations turned violent. In Hindu tradition, the city of Ayodhya is the birthplace of [[Rama]]. In the 16th century a [[Mughal Army|Mughal]] commander, [[Mir Baqi]], had built a mosque, known as the Babri Masjid at a site identified by some Hindus as ''[[Ram Janmabhoomi]]'', or the birthplace of Rama. The [[Archaeological Survey of India]] states that the mosque was built on land where a non-Islamic structure had previously existed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/babri-masjid-not-built-on-vacant-land-artefacts-reveal-non-islamic-structure-supreme-court/story/389449.html|title=Babri Masjid not built on vacant land, artefacts reveal non-Islamic structure: Supreme Court|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=9 November 2019|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110161830/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/babri-masjid-not-built-on-vacant-land-artefacts-reveal-non-islamic-structure-supreme-court/story/389449.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/supreme-court-judgment-ends-several-speculations-asi-team-chief-1617499-2019-11-10|title=Supreme Court judgment on Ayodhya ends several speculation: ASI team chief|date=November 10, 2019|first=Rahul|last=Shrivastava|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110200342/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/supreme-court-judgment-ends-several-speculations-asi-team-chief-1617499-2019-11-10|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 1980s, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) began a campaign for the construction of a temple dedicated to Rama at the site, with the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) as its political voice. Several rallies and marches were held as a part of this movement, including the ''[[Ram Rath Yatra]]'' led by [[L. K. Advani]]. 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. A subsequent inquiry into the incident found 68 people responsible, including several leaders of the BJP and the VHP. The demolition resulted in several months of [[Communal violence|intercommunal rioting]] between India's [[Hinduism in India|Hindu]] and [[Islam in India|Muslim]] communities, causing the death of at least 2,000 people. Retaliatory violence against Hindus also occurred in Pakistan and Bangladesh. ==Background== {{Ayodhya debate}} {{Main|Ayodhya dispute}} In [[Hinduism]] the birthplace of the deity [[Rama]], known as "[[Ram Janmabhoomi]]", is considered a holy site. This site is often believed to be at the place where the Babri Masjid stood in the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh: historical evidence to support this belief is scarce.<ref name="Sharma2003">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hEOFAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA127 |encyclopedia=Destruction and Conservation of Cultural Property |editor-first1=Robert|editor-last1=Layton|editor-first2=Julian|editor-last2=Thomas|title=The Ayodhya Issue |first=Ram Sharan|last=Sharma|author-link=Ram Sharan Sharma|publisher=Routledge |year=2003 |isbn=9781134604982|pages=127–137}}</ref><ref name="Gopal1990">{{cite journal |last1=Gopal |first1=Sarvepalli |last2=Thapar |first2=Romila |last3=Chandra |first3=Bipan |last4=Bhattacharya |first4=Sabyasachi |last5=Jaiswal |first5=Suvira |last6=Mukhia |first6=Harbans |last7=Panikkar |first7=K. N. |last8=Champakalakshmi |first8=R. |last9=Saberwal |first9=Satish |last10=Chattopadhyaya |first10=B. D. |last11=Verma |first11=R. N. |last12=Meenakshi |first12=K. |last13=Alam |first13=Muzaffar |last14=Singh |first14=Dilbagh |last15=Mukherjee |first15=Mridula |last16=Palat |first16=Madhavan |last17=Mukherjee |first17=Aditya |last18=Ratnagar |first18=S. F. |last19=Bhattacharya |first19=Neeladri |last20=Trivedi |first20=K. K. |last21=Sharma |first21=Yogesh |last22=Chakravarti |first22=Kunal |last23=Josh |first23=Bhagwan |last24=Gurukkal |first24=Rajan |last25=Ray |first25=Himanshu |title=The Political Abuse of History: Babri Masjid-Rama Janmabhumi Dispute |journal=Social Scientist |date=January 1990 |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=76–81|jstor=3517330|doi=10.2307/3517330 }}</ref> There is a rough scholarly consensus that in 1528, following the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] conquest of the region, a mosque was built at the site by the [[Army of the Mughal Empire|Mughal]] [[Bey|commander]] [[Mir Baqi]], and named the "Babri Masjid" after the [[Mughal emperors|Mughal emperor]] [[Babur]].<ref name="Avari2013">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hGHpVtQ8eKoC|title=Islamic Civilization in South Asia: A History of Muslim Power and Presence in the Indian Subcontinent|last=Avari|first=Burjor|publisher=Routledge|year=2013|isbn=9780415580618|pages=231, 247|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222185846/https://books.google.com/books?id=hGHpVtQ8eKoC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Udaykumar1997>{{cite journal| last = Udayakumar| first = S.P.| date = August 1997| title = Historicizing Myth and Mythologizing History: The 'Ram Temple' Drama| journal = Social Scientist| volume = 25| issue = 7| pages = 11–26| jstor = 3517601| doi = 10.2307/3517601}}</ref>{{Efn|For opposing views, see {{Cite book|title=The Disputed Mosque: A Historical Inquiry|last=Srivastava|first=Sushil|publisher=Vistaar Publications|year=1991|pages=67–97}}|name=Srivastava}} Popular belief holds that Baqi demolished a temple of Rama to build the mosque; historical basis for the belief is debated.<ref name="Sharma2003"/><ref name="Gopal1990" /> Archaeological evidence has been found of a structure pre-dating the mosque. This structure has been variously identified as a Hindu temple and a Buddhist structure.<ref name="Sharma2003"/><ref name="Avari2013"/> For at least four centuries, the site was used for religious purposes by both Hindus and Muslims. The claim that the mosque stood on the site of a temple was first made in 1822, by an official of the [[Faizabad]] court.<ref name="Avari2013" /><ref name="Udaykumar1997" /> The [[Nirmohi Akhara]] sect cited this statement in laying claim to the site later in the 19th century, leading to the first recorded incidents of religious violence at the site in 1855.<ref name="Udaykumar1997" /><ref>{{Cite book|title=Religious nationalism : Hindus and Muslims in India|last=van der Veer|first=Peter|date=1994|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=052091368X|location=Berkeley, CA|pages=153|oclc=44966053}}</ref> In 1859 the [[British Raj|British colonial administration]] set up a railing to separate the outer courtyard of the mosque to avoid disputes. The [[status quo]] remained in place until 1949, when idols of Rama were surreptitiously placed inside the mosque, allegedly by [[Hindu Mahasabha]] activists. This led to an uproar, with both parties filing civil suits laying claim to the land. The placement of the idols was seen as a desecration by the users of the Masjid. The site was declared to be in dispute, and the gates to the Masjid were locked.<ref name="Udaykumar1997" /><ref name="Ayodhya Timeline BBC">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552|title=Timeline: Ayodhya holy site crisis|work=BBC News|date=6 December 2012|access-date=19 March 2014|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210110209/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552|url-status=live}}</ref> <mapframe latitude="26.7953" longitude="82.1949" zoom="13" width="220" height="250" align="left"> { "type": "FeatureCollection", "features": [ { "type": "Feature", "properties": {}, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 82.19440090673744, 26.79567601448159 ] } } ] } </mapframe> In the 1980s, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) began a campaign for the construction of a temple dedicated to Rama at the site, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as its political voice.<ref name="Udaykumar1997" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Babri-mosque-case-BJP-MP-declared-absconder/articleshow/38821760.cms |title=Babri mosque case: BJP MP declared absconder |work=The Times of India |date=2014-07-22 |access-date=2014-08-18 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031348/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Babri-mosque-case-BJP-MP-declared-absconder/articleshow/38821760.cms%20 |url-status=live }}</ref> The movement was bolstered by the decision of a district judge, who ruled in 1986 that the gates would be reopened and Hindus permitted to worship there.<ref name="Udaykumar1997" /><ref name="Ayodhya Timeline BBC"/> This decision was endorsed by [[Indian National Congress]] politician [[Rajiv Gandhi]], then the [[Prime Minister of India]], who sought to regain support from Hindus he had lost over the [[Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum|Shah Bano controversy]].<ref name="Avari2013" /><ref name="Udaykumar1997" /> Nonetheless, the Congress lost the [[1989 Indian general election|1989 general election]], and the BJP's strength in parliament grew from 2 members to 88, making its support crucial to the new [[V. P. Singh ministry|government of V.&nbsp;P.&nbsp;Singh]].<ref name="Udaykumar1997" /><ref name="Guha2007b">{{cite book |last=Guha |first=Ramachandra |title=India After Gandhi |year=2007 |publisher=MacMillan |pages=633–659}}</ref> In September 1990, BJP leader [[L. K. Advani]] began a ''[[Ram Rath Yatra|Rath Yatra]]'', a political rally travelling across much of north India to Ayodhya. The ''yatra'' sought to generate support for the proposed temple, and also sought to unite Hindu votes by mobilizing anti-Muslim sentiment.<ref name=Jaffrolot2009>{{cite journal| last = Jaffrelot| first = Christophe| date = 2009| title = The Hindu nationalist reinterpretation of pilgrimage in India: the limits of Yatra politics| journal = Nations and Nationalism| volume = 15| issue = 1| pages = 1–19| doi = 10.1111/j.1469-8129.2009.00364.x }}</ref> Advani was arrested by the [[Government of Bihar]] before he could reach Ayodhya. Despite this, a large body of [[Sangh Parivar]] supporters reached Ayodhya and attempted to attack the mosque. This resulted in a pitched battle with the paramilitary forces that ended with the death of several rioters. The BJP withdrew its support to the V. P. Singh ministry, necessitating fresh elections. The BJP substantially increased its tally in the union parliament, as well as winning a majority in the Uttar Pradesh assembly.<ref name="Guha2007b"/> ==Demolition== On 6 December 1992, the RSS and its affiliates organised a rally involving 150,000 VHP and BJP supporters at the site of the disputed structure. The ceremonies included speeches by BJP leaders such as [[L. K. Advani|Lal Krishna Advani]], [[Murli Manohar Joshi]] and [[Uma Bharti]].<ref name="tully">{{cite news|last=Tully|first=Mark|title=Tearing down the Babri Masjid|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2528025.stm|access-date=29 September 2010|newspaper=BBC News|date=5 December 2002|archive-date=27 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927032603/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2528025.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> During the first few hours of the rally, the crowd grew gradually more restless, and began raising slogans. A police cordon had been placed around the structure in preparation for attack. However, around noon, a young man managed to slip past the cordon and climb the structure itself, brandishing a saffron flag. This was seen as a signal by the mob, who then stormed the structure. The police cordon, vastly outnumbered and unprepared for the size of the attack, fled. The mob set upon the building with axes, hammers, and grappling hooks, and within a few hours, the entire structure, made from mud and chalk, was levelled.<ref name="Guha2007a">{{cite book|last=Guha|first=Ramachandra|title=India After Gandhi|year=2007|publisher=MacMillan|pages=582–598}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/report_sequence_of_events_on_december_6.php |title=Report: Sequence of events on December 6 |publisher=Ndtv.com |access-date=20 June 2012 |archive-date=26 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926132622/http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/report_sequence_of_events_on_december_6.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The then Prime Minister [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] has been often criticized for his mishandling of the situation. Rao in his book ''[[Ayodhya 6 December 1992]]'' wrote that the demolition was a "betrayal" by the then [[List of chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]], [[Kalyan Singh]], who repeatedly assured the Congress government that the mosque would be protected.<ref name="Hindustan">{{cite web | title=Narasimha Rao blamed Kalyan Singh for Babri mosque demolition | website=Hindustan Times | date=2012-12-05 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/narasimha-rao-blamed-kalyan-singh-for-babri-mosque-demolition/story-QVQcEEraX6vi289t1OPb2H.html }}</ref> A [[Liberhan Commission|2009 report]], authored by Justice [[Manmohan Singh Liberhan]], found 68 people to be responsible for the demolition of the Masjid, mostly leaders from the BJP. Among those named were Vajpayee, Advani, Joshi and [[Vijaya Raje Scindia]]. Kalyan Singh, who was then the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, also faced severe criticism in the report. Liberhan wrote that he posted bureaucrats and police officers to Ayodhya, whose record indicated that they would stay silent during the mosque's demolition.<ref>{{cite news|title=Uproar over India mosque report: Inquiry into Babri mosque's demolition in 1992 indicts opposition BJP leaders|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/11/2009112454918803725.html|access-date=8 July 2014|work=Al Jazeera|date=24 November 2009|archive-date=31 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131082341/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/11/2009112454918803725.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Anju Gupta, a [[Indian Police Service|police]] officer who had been in charge of Advani's security on that day, stated that Advani and Joshi made speeches that contributed to provoking the behaviour of the mob.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Venkatesan|first=V.|title=In the dock, again|journal=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|volume=22|issue=15|date=16 July 2005|url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2215/stories/20050729006101200.htm|access-date=18 May 2016|archive-date=2 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702140655/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2215/stories/20050729006101200.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The report notes that at this time several BJP leaders made "feeble requests to the [[kar sevak]]s to come down... either in earnest or for the media's benefit". No appeal was made to the rioters not to enter the ''[[sanctum sanctorum]]'' or not to demolish the structure. It further noted: "This selected act of the leaders itself speaks of the hidden intentions of one and all being to accomplish demolition of the disputed structure." The report holds that the "icons of the movement present [that day]... could just as easily have... prevented the demolition."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/report_sequence_of_events_on_december_6.php |title=Report: Sequence of events on December 6 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |date=23 November 2009 |access-date=2011-12-05 |archive-date=26 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926132622/http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/report_sequence_of_events_on_december_6.php |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Allegations=== In a March 2005 book, former [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] head [[Maloy Krishna Dhar]] claimed that the Babri mosque demolition was planned 10 months in advance by top leaders of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS), BJP and VHP, and criticised the manner in which the then Prime Minister [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] handled the issue. Dhar claimed that he was directed to arrange security for a meeting between individuals from the BJP and other constituents of the Sangh Parivar, and that the meeting "proved beyond doubt that they (RSS, BJP, VHP) had drawn up the blueprint of the [[Hindutva]] assault in the coming months and choreographed the ''[[Pralaya|pralaya nritya]]'' (dance of apocalypse) at Ayodhya in December 1992".<ref name="10months"/> The RSS, BJP, VHP and the [[Bajrang Dal]] leaders present in the meeting amply agreed to work in a well-orchestrated manner." Claiming that the tapes of the meeting were personally handed over by him to his boss, he asserts that he has no doubts that his boss had shared the contents with the Prime Minister (Rao) and the [[Home Minister of India|Home Minister]] ([[Shankarrao Chavan]]). The author claimed that there was silent agreement that Ayodhya offered "a unique opportunity to take the Hindutva wave to the peak for deriving political benefit."<ref name="10months">{{cite news|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=276473|title=Babri Masjid demolition was planned 10 months in advance: Book|date=30 January 2005|publisher=[[Press Trust of India]]|access-date=5 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614062714/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=276473|archive-date=14 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2014, a sting operation by [[Cobrapost]] claimed that the demolition was not an act of frenzied mobs but an act of sabotage planned with so much secrecy that no government agency got wind of it. It further said that the sabotage was planned several months in advance by VHP and [[Shiv Sena]], but not jointly.<ref>{{cite web|title=Babri Masjid demolition was well-planned in ahead: Cobrapost sting|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/04/babri-masjid-demolition-was-well-planned-in-ahead-cobrapost-sting/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=4 April 2014|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031255/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/04/babri-masjid-demolition-was-well-planned-in-ahead-cobrapost-sting/|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Aftermath== ===Communal violence=== {{See|Bombay riots}} The destruction of the Babri Masjid sparked Muslim outrage around the country, provoking several months of [[Communal violence|inter-communal rioting]] in which Hindus and Muslims attacked one another, burning and looting homes, shops and places of worship.<ref name="Guha2007a" /> Several of the BJP leaders were taken into custody, and the VHP was briefly banned by the government. Despite this, the ensuing riots spread to cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Surat]], [[Ahmedabad]], [[Kanpur]], [[Delhi]], [[Bhopal]] and several others, eventually resulting in over 2000 deaths, mainly Muslim.<ref name="Guha2007a" /> The [[Mumbai Riots]] alone, which occurred in December 1992 and January 1993 and which the [[Shiv Sena]] played a big part in organising, caused the death of around 900 people, and estimated property damage of around {{Indian Rupee}} 9,000 [[crore]] ($3.6 billion).<ref>{{cite book|last=Gort|first=Jerald D.|author2=Henry Jansen|author3=H. M. Vroom|title=Religion, conflict and reconciliation: multifaith ideals and realities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6xTC8ub8RN8C&q=%22Demolition+of+Babri+Masjid%22+-inpublisher%3Aicon&pg=PA248|year=2002|publisher=Rodopi|isbn=90-420-1460-1|page=248|access-date=25 October 2020|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930065322/https://books.google.com/books?id=6xTC8ub8RN8C&q=%22Demolition+of+Babri+Masjid%22+-inpublisher%3Aicon&pg=PA248|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="erces">[http://www.erces.com/journal/articles/archives/v02/v_02_04.htm ERCES Online Quarterly Review] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710195454/http://www.erces.com/journal/articles/archives/v02/v_02_04.htm |date=10 July 2011 }} Religious Identity of the Perpetrators and Victims of Communal Violence in Post-Independence India</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Votes and Violence: Electoral Competition and Ethnic Riots in India|author=Steven I. Wilkinson|year=2006|publisher=Cambridge University Press|page=14|isbn=0-521-53605-7}}</ref> The demolition and the ensuing riots were among the major factors behind the [[1993 Mumbai bombings]] and many successive riots in the coming decade.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gilly|first=Thomas Albert|author2=Yakov Gilinskiy|author3=Vladimir A. Sergevnin|title=The Ethics of Terrorism: Innovative Approaches from an International Perspective|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w5SlnZilfMMC&q=%22Demolition+of+Babri+Masjid%22+-inpublisher%3Aicon&pg=PA27|year=2009|publisher=Charles C Thomas|isbn=978-0-398-07867-6|page=27|access-date=25 October 2020|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930031250/https://books.google.com/books?id=w5SlnZilfMMC&q=%22Demolition+of+Babri+Masjid%22+-inpublisher%3Aicon&pg=PA27|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jihadism|Jihadi]] groups including the [[Indian Mujahideen]] cited the demolition of the Babri Masjid as a reason for their terrorist attacks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?268602 |title=The Latest 'Indian Mujahideen Mail' |publisher=Outlook India |first=B. |last=Raman |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=2011-12-05 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031352/https://www.outlookindia.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/blast-a-revenge-for-babri-mail/361167/1 |title=Blast a revenge for Babri |publisher=Indian Express |first=Amitabh |last=Sinha |date=2008-09-14 |access-date=2011-12-05 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031327/http://archive.indianexpress.com/static/sorry/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Investigation=== On 16 December 1992, the Union home ministry set up the [[Liberhan Commission]] to investigate the destruction of the mosque, headed by retired High Court Judge [[Manmohan Singh Liberhan|M. S. Liberhan]]. After 399 sittings over sixteen years, the Commission submitted its 1,029-page report to Indian Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] on 30 June 2009.<ref name="ndtv">{{cite news|title=What is the Liberhan Commission?|url=http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/all_about_the_liberhan_commission.php|access-date=29 September 2010|newspaper=NDTV India|date=23 November 2009|archive-date=26 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126182026/http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/all_about_the_liberhan_commission.php|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the report, the events of 6 December 1992, in Ayodhya were "neither spontaneous nor unplanned".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Babri-Masjid-demolition-neither-spontaneous-nor-unplanned-Liberhan/Article1-479698.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103064212/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Babri-Masjid-demolition-neither-spontaneous-nor-unplanned-Liberhan/Article1-479698.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|title=India Babri Masjid demolition neither spontaneous nor unplanned: Liberhan|date=24 November 2009|work=Hindustan Times}}</ref> In March 2015, the [[Supreme Court of India]] admitted a petition alleging that, with a BJP government in power, the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) would not pursue conspiracy charges against senior BJP leaders including L. K. Advani and [[Rajnath Singh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/744403/in-the-times-of-yakub-memon-remembering-the-babri-masjid-demolition-cases|title=In the times of Yakub Memon, remembering the Babri Masjid demolition cases|first=Ajaz|last=Ashraf|website=Scroll.in|date=29 July 2015 |access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=30 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730231427/http://scroll.in/article/744403/in-the-times-of-yakub-memon-remembering-the-babri-masjid-demolition-cases|url-status=live}}</ref> The Court asked the CBI to explain its delay in filing an appeal.<ref>[http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/babri-demolition-sc-to-hear-plea-that-cbi-may-go-soft-on-advani-others/ Babri Masjid demolition: Supreme Court to hear plea claiming CBI may go soft on L K Advani] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331091510/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/babri-demolition-sc-to-hear-plea-that-cbi-may-go-soft-on-advani-others/ |date=31 March 2015 }}, Indian Express, 31 March 2015.</ref><ref>[http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/babri-demolition-case-sc-issues-notices-to-advani-other-bjp-leaders-on-plea-asking-why-conspiracy-charges-should-not-be-restored/ Babri Masjid case: SC issues notices to L K Advani, others over conspiracy charges] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331091304/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/babri-demolition-case-sc-issues-notices-to-advani-other-bjp-leaders-on-plea-asking-why-conspiracy-charges-should-not-be-restored/ |date=31 March 2015 }}, Indian Express, 31 March 2015.</ref> In April 2017, a special CBI court framed criminal conspiracy charges against Advani, [[Murli Manohar Joshi]], [[Uma Bharti]], [[Vinay Katiyar]], and several others.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rashid |first1=Omar |title=Babri case: Advani, Joshi, Bharti charged with criminal conspiracy |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/babri-case-advani-joshi-bharti-charged-with-criminal-conspiracy/article18661463.ece |access-date=26 January 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=30 May 2017 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328170525/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/babri-case-advani-joshi-bharti-charged-with-criminal-conspiracy/article18661463.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Judicial verdict=== On 30 September 2020, the court acquitted all the 32 accused including L. K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Vinay Katiyar and several others in the case on account of inconclusive evidence.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Babri Masjid verdict: Court acquits LK Advani, Kalyan Singh, says no evidence that accused planned demolition|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/babri-masjid-demolition-case-verdict-news-lk-advani-murli-manohar-joshi/660053|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.timesnownews.com|date=30 September 2020 |language=en|archive-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009101144/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/babri-masjid-demolition-case-verdict-news-lk-advani-murli-manohar-joshi/660053|url-status=live}}</ref> The special court judge [[Surendra Kumar Yadav(Judge)|Surendra Kumar Yadav]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-30 |title=बाबरी विध्वंस केस में फैसला सुनाते ही जज सुरेंद्र यादव रिटायर |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/babri-masjid-demolition-case-cbi-court-judge-surendra-kumar-yadav-profile-retirement-1137928-2020-09-30 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=आज तक |language=hi}}</ref> said, "The demolition was not pre-planned."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Babri Masjid demolition case: CBI Special Court acquits all accused, judge Surendra Kumar Yadav says 'demolition was not pre-planned'|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/babri-masjid-demolition-case-cbi-special-court-acquits-all-accused-judge-says-demolition-was-not-pre-planned/articleshow/78401534.cms|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Business Insider|archive-date=7 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807213356/https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/babri-masjid-demolition-case-cbi-special-court-acquits-all-accused-judge-says-demolition-was-not-pre-planned/articleshow/78401534.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India's BJP leaders acquitted in Babri mosque demolition case|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/30/indian-court-acquits-all-accused-in-babri-mosque-demolition-case|access-date=2020-12-30|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=4 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004073507/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/30/indian-court-acquits-all-accused-in-babri-mosque-demolition-case|url-status=live}}</ref> ==International reactions== ===Pakistan=== In Pakistan, the government closed offices and schools on 7 December to protest against the demolition of the Babri Masjid.<ref name="A">{{cite news|title=PAKISTANIS ATTACK 30 HINDU TEMPLES|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE2DD113BF93BA35751C1A964958260&sec=&spon=|work=New York Times|date=1992-12-07|access-date=2011-04-15|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031309/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/08/world/pakistanis-attack-30-hindu-temples.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan)|Pakistani Foreign Ministry]] summoned the [[List of High Commissioners of India to Pakistan|Indian ambassador]] to lodge a formal complaint, and promised to appeal to the [[United Nations]] and the [[Organisation of the Islamic Conference]] to pressure India to protect the rights of Muslims.<ref name="A"/> Strikes were held across the country, while Muslim mobs attacked and destroyed as many as 30 [[List of Hindu temples in Pakistan|Hindu temples]] in one day by means of fire and bulldozers, and stormed the office of [[Air India]], India's national airline, in [[Lahore]].<ref name="A"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Khalid |first=Haroon |date=December 22, 2017 |url=https://scroll.in/article/862322/katas-raj-temple-complex-is-a-sad-monument-to-pakistans-unease-with-its-hindu-heritage |access-date=March 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230302105604/https://amp.scroll.in/article/862322/katas-raj-temple-complex-is-a-sad-monument-to-pakistans-unease-with-its-hindu-heritage |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |title=Katas Raj temple complex is a sad monument to Pakistan's unease with its Hindu heritage |publisher=[[Scroll.in|Scroll]] |quote=In 1992, after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in India, many Hindu temples in Pakistan were destroyed. |language=en-IN }}</ref> The retaliatory attacks included rhetoric from mobs calling for the destruction of India and of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="A"/> Students from the [[Quaid-i-Azam University]] in [[Islamabad]] burned an effigy of Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, and called for "[[jihad]]" against Hindus.<ref name="A"/> In subsequent years, thousands of [[Pakistani Hindus]] visiting India sought longer visas, and in some cases [[Indian nationality law|citizenship of India]], citing increased harassment and discrimination in the aftermath of the demolition.<ref name="C">{{cite web|title=Pakistani Hindus in India unwilling to return|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/86879/unwilling-return.html|publisher=Deccan Herald|access-date=2011-04-15|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031302/https://www.deccanherald.com/404.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Bangladesh=== Following the demolition, Muslim mobs in Bangladesh attacked and burned down [[Hinduism in Bangladesh|Hindu temples]], shops and houses across the country.<ref name="B">{{cite web|title=Chronology for Hindus in Bangladesh|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,,CHRON,BGD,,469f3869c,0.html|publisher=UNHCR |access-date=2011-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014061731/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,,CHRON,BGD,,469f3869c,0.html |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref> An India-Bangladesh cricket match was disrupted when a mob of an estimated 5,000 men tried to storm the [[Bangabandhu National Stadium]] in the national capital of [[Dhaka]].<ref name="B"/> The Dhaka office of Air India was stormed and destroyed.<ref name="A"/> 10 people were reportedly killed, 11 Hindu temples and several homes destroyed.<ref name="B"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Minorities at Risk Project |url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,MARP,,BGD,,469f3869c,0.html |title=Chronology for Hindus in Bangladesh |publisher=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |year=2004 |access-date=2011-12-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018084907/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country%2C%2CMARP%2C%2CBGD%2C%2C469f3869c%2C0.html |archive-date=18 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Minority Rights Group International |url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,MRGI,,BGD,,49749d572d,0.html |title=World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples – Bangladesh : Hindus |publisher=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |year=2008 |access-date=2011-12-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018084914/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country%2C%2CMRGI%2C%2CBGD%2C%2C49749d572d%2C0.html |archive-date=18 October 2012 }}</ref> The aftermath of the violence forced the [[Hinduism in Bangladesh|Bangladeshi Hindu community]] to curtail the celebrations of [[Durga Puja]] in 1993 while calling for the destroyed temples to be repaired and investigations be held.<ref name="B"/> ===Middle East=== At its summit meeting in [[Abu Dhabi]], the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] (GCC) strongly condemned the Babri Masjid demolition. It adopted a resolution which described the act as a "crime against Muslim holy places." Among its member states, [[Saudi Arabia]] severely condemned the act. The [[United Arab Emirates]] (UAE), home to large expatriate communities of [[Indians in the United Arab Emirates|Indians]] and [[Pakistanis in the United Arab Emirates|Pakistanis]], conveyed a more moderate reaction. In response, the Indian government criticised the GCC for what it regarded as interference in its internal affairs.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pradhan |first1=Prasanta Kumar |title=India and Gulf Cooperation Council: Time to Look Beyond Business |journal=Strategic Analysis |date=May 2010 |volume=34 |issue=3 |pages=409–419 |doi=10.1080/09700161003659103|s2cid=153384330 }}</ref> [[Ayatollah]] [[Ali Khamenei]], the [[Supreme Leader of Iran|supreme leader of Iran]], condemned the demolition, and called upon India to do more to protect its Muslim population.<ref name="A"/> Although its government condemned the events, the UAE experienced severe public disturbances due to the demolition of the Babri Mosque.<ref name="Y">{{cite book|title=India's foreign policy|pages=310–11|author=Ghosh Anjali|publisher=Pearson Education India|year=2009|isbn=978-81-317-1025-8}}</ref> Street protests broke out, and protesters threw stones at a [[Hinduism in Arab states|Hindu temple]] and the [[List of ambassadors of India to the United Arab Emirates|Indian Consulate]] in [[Dubai]].<ref name="Y"/> In [[Al-Ain]], {{Convert|250|km}} east of Abu Dhabi, angry mobs set fire to the girls wing of an Indian school.<ref name="Y"/> In response to the violence, UAE police arrested and deported many expatriate Pakistanis and Indians who had participated in the violence. The Commander-in-Chief of the [[Dubai Police Force]], [[Dhahi Khalfan Tamim]], condemned the violence by foreign nationals in the country.<ref name="Y"/> ===United Kingdom=== Several temples were attacked by Muslims in the UK in suspected acts of revenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/firebomb-attacks-on-british-temples-1562249.html|title=Fire-bomb attacks on British temples|author=Malcolm Pithers|date=8 December 1992|work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> Attacks included [[petrol bomb]]ings and [[arson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/amp/Archives/1992/12/08/Restraint-urged-after-fire-attacks-on-British-temples/4546723790800|title= Restraint urged after fire attacks on British temples|author=Mick Thurston|date=8 December 1992|publisher=[[United Press International]]}}</ref> Hindu temples and [[Sikhism in the United Kingdom|Sikh]] [[Gurdwara|gurdwaras]], Hindu community centres and other cultural buildings were attacked. One temple was reportedly completely destroyed by fire.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.upi.com/amp/Archives/1992/12/09/Further-arson-attacks-on-religious-temples/2203723877200/|title= Further arson attacks on religious temples|date=9 December 1992|publisher=[[United Press International]]}}</ref> Hindu and Muslims leaders appealed for peace following the attacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/fears-grow-over-temple-attacks-1562566.html|title=Fears grow over temple attacks|author=Diana Hinds|date=9 December 1992|work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> ==In popular culture== Malayalam author [[N. S. Madhavan]]'s short story ''Thiruthu'' is based on the Babri Masjid demolition.<ref>{{cite news |title=N S Madhavan tells RSS to seek edakka ban |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151114/nation-current-affairs/article/n-s-madhavan-tells-rss-seek-edakka-ban |access-date=4 July 2018 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=23 February 2016 |archive-date=4 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704093850/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151114/nation-current-affairs/article/n-s-madhavan-tells-rss-seek-edakka-ban |url-status=live }}</ref> The Ayodhya dispute and the riots following the demolition form part of the backdrop to Antara Ganguly's 2016 novel, ''Tanya Tania''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hasan |first1=Lamat R. |title=Of Bombay and Karachi; Review of Tanya Tania by Antara Ganguli |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/of-bombay-and-karachi-review-of-tanya-tania-by-antara-ganguli/story-oi79vSxDxkZLaeIXYg23GI.html |access-date=4 July 2018 |work=Hindustan Times |date=15 April 2017 |archive-date=4 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704124733/https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/of-bombay-and-karachi-review-of-tanya-tania-by-antara-ganguli/story-oi79vSxDxkZLaeIXYg23GI.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Lajja (novel)|Lajja]]'' (Shame), a 1993 novel by Bangladeshi author [[Taslima Nasrin]], was partially inspired by the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh that intensified after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.<ref name="Avari2013" /> The documentary ''[[Ram ke Naam]]'' ({{Lit|In the name of Ram}}) by [[Anand Patwardhan]] examines the events preceding the demolition.<ref name="Pande 1992">{{cite journal|last1=Pande|first1=Mrinal|title=Ram Ke Naam Chronicle of a demolition Foretold|journal=Manushi|date=November 1992|issue=73|url=http://www.manushi.in/docs/66ram_ke_naam.pdf|access-date=4 July 2018|archive-date=26 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126185502/http://www.manushi.in/docs/66ram_ke_naam.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Bollywood]] film ''[[Mausam (2011 film)|Mausam]]'' (2011) is based on the events surrounding the demolition.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mausam-Movie-Review/articleshow/10077447.cms | title=Mausam: Movie Review | first=Gaurav | last=Malani | date=23 September 2011 | work=[[The Times of India]] | access-date=4 December 2017 | archive-date=25 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031332/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mausam-Movie-Review/articleshow/10077447.cms%20 | url-status=live }}</ref> The riots that followed the demolition are an important part of the plot of several films, including ''[[Bombay (film)|Bombay]]'' (1995) set in the [[Bombay riots]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mani-Ratnam | title=Mani Ratnam | encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica | access-date=4 December 2017 | archive-date=25 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031305/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mani-Ratnam%20 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Daivanamathil]]'' (2005) explores the repercussions of the demolition on [[Kerala Muslims|Muslims in Kerala]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2005/04/19/stories/2005041903570200.htm | title=Daivanamathil | first=Sangeeth | last=Kurian | date=19 April 2005 | work=[[The Hindu]] | access-date=4 December 2017}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Both ''Bombay'' and ''Daivanamathi'' won the [[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration]] at the respective [[National Film Awards]].<ref name="43rdawardPDF">{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/43rd_nff_1996.pdf|title=43rd National Film Awards|publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]|access-date=6 March 2012|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234418/http://dff.nic.in/2011/43rd_nff_1996.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="53rdawardPDF">{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/53rd_nff_2006.pdf|title=53rd National Film Awards|publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]|access-date=19 March 2012|archive-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215103958/http://dff.nic.in/2011/53rd_nff_2006.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2007 film ''[[Black Friday (2004 film)|Black Friday]]'' was based upon the [[1993 Bombay bombings]] which were considered to be the after effect of the demolition of the mosque.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.catchnews.com/human-right-news/8-times-we-saw-the-babri-masjid-debacle-recalled-on-the-big-screen-demolition-vhp-bjp-advani-ram-ke-naam-black-friday-bombay-riots-tiger-memon-ayodhya-ram-temple-1449313610.html | title=8 times we saw the Babri Masjid debacle recalled on the big screen | work=Catch News | date=8 December 2015 | access-date=4 December 2017 | archive-date=25 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225031344/http://www.catchnews.com/human-right-news/8-times-we-saw-the-babri-masjid-debacle-recalled-on-the-big-screen-demolition-vhp-bjp-advani-ram-ke-naam-black-friday-bombay-riots-tiger-memon-ayodhya-ram-temple-1449313610.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reviews/story/sacred-games-review-netflix-crime-thriller-engages-viewers-with-intrigue-and-mystery-1279892-2018-07-07|title=Sacred Games review: Netflix crime thriller engages viewers with intrigue and mystery|last=Keshri|first=Shweta|work=India Today|date=7 July 2018|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708044921/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reviews/story/sacred-games-review-netflix-crime-thriller-engages-viewers-with-intrigue-and-mystery-1279892-2018-07-07|url-status=live}}</ref> == Notes == {{notes}} ==References== {{Reflist}} == Further reading == * ''[[Ayodhya 6 December 1992]]'' ({{ISBN|0-670-05858-0}}) by [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] * ''Indian Controversies: Essays on Religion in Politics'' by Arun Shourie, New Delhi: Rupa & Co, 1993. {{ISBN|8190019929}}. ==External links== * {{Cite web|title=Ayodhya Verdict|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/specialcoverage/5291016.cms|website=[[Times of India]]}} {{Hindu Nationalism}} {{Portal bar|India|Hinduism|Islam}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Babri Masjid, Demolition of}} [[Category:1992 crimes in India]] [[Category:Attacks on mosques in Asia]] [[Category:Attacks on religious buildings and structures in India]] [[Category:Ayodhya dispute]] [[Category:December 1992 crimes]] [[Category:December 1992 events in Asia]] [[Category:Destroyed mosques]] [[Category:History of Uttar Pradesh (1947–present)]] [[Category:Persecution by Hindus]] [[Category:Religiously motivated violence in India]] [[Category:Riots and civil disorder in India]] [[Category:Religious riots]] [[Category:Anti-Islam sentiment in India]]'