On December 6, 1992, a large number of Rambhakts lost their lives at Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Bhagwan Ram, when the then government led by Mulayam Singh Yadav ordered police firing on karsevaks following the demolition of the disputed structure (referred to as the so-called ‘Babri Masjid’). While Ayodhya’s streets remain calm, the day is accompanied by heightened security and ongoing debates about its historical implications.
In a reflective statement, Acharya Satyendra Das, the Chief Pandit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, shed light on how perceptions have evolved over the decades.
“When the Babri Masjid was demolished, Hindus celebrated the day as ‘Shaurya Diwas’ (Day of Valour), and Muslims mourned it as ‘Ghum Diwas’ (Day of Mourning). The issue persisted for years, fueling tensions and debates. However, since the Supreme Court’s verdict, which resolved the dispute in favor of constructing the Ram Mandir, things have significantly cooled down. People accepted it as a legal decision. Now, with the mandir built and the Pran Pratishtha (installation of the deity) completed, the matter seems settled for most,” said Das.
#WATCH | Babri Masjid Demolition Day | Ayodhya, UP: Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das says, " When Babri Masjid was demolished, Hindus used to observe that day as 'Shaurya Diwas' and Muslims used to observe it as 'Ghum Diwas'. The issue kept going… pic.twitter.com/Otenby1n8F
— ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2024
This shift in sentiment highlights the impact of the 2019 Supreme Court ruling, which awarded the disputed land in Ayodhya to the Hindus while allotting an alternative five-acre site to the Muslim community for mosque construction.
The demolition of the disputed structure (so-called ‘Babri Masjid’) on December 6, 1992, by thousands of karsevaks was a defining moment in India’s post-independence history. The act, fueled by the belief that the mosque was built on the birthplace of Bhagwan Ram, led to communal riots across the country. In the aftermath, over 1,000 lives were lost, predominantly in Muslim-majority areas, and widespread destruction of property ensued.
Ayodhya itself became a flashpoint, with Muslim homes and businesses targeted, resulting in significant displacement. The incident marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s political and cultural discourse, as communal tensions deepened in the years that followed.
On the anniversary, attention also turned to Mathura, where another sensitive religious dispute exists between the Shahi Eidgah Masjid and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Mandir. Authorities in Mathura have ramped up security to prevent any potential escalation.
Arvind Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Mathura City, detailed the measures taken: “We’ve divided the area into four zones, placed barricades at sensitive spots, and diverted traffic to ensure smooth movement. Anyone found violating the rules will face strict action.”
The dispute over the Shahi Eidgah mirrors the Ayodhya conflict, with over 15 lawsuits filed by Hindu groups asserting that the mosque stands on the birthplace of Bhagwan Krishna. The Shahi Masjid Idgah committee has challenged these claims, maintaining that the mosque’s legitimacy was settled through earlier agreements.
In recent developments, the Supreme Court deferred a hearing on petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court’s dismissal of objections raised by the mosque committee. The legal battle continues, keeping the issue alive in public consciousness.
In Madhya Pradesh, especially in Ujjain, authorities conducted large-scale security drills. Teams from the Bomb Squad, Dog Squad, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and local police conducted surprise inspections at railway stations, public spaces, and checkpoints.
RPF Deputy Superintendent of Police Mukesh Anandkar elaborated on the efforts:
“Given the sensitivity of December 6, we’ve implemented a thorough vigilance campaign. Our teams are inspecting vehicles, parcels, and passenger luggage to ensure no untoward incidents occur. These measures will continue over the coming days.”
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