Bombay riots 1992: Scars remain, victims still plead for justice

In the week immediately succeeding December 6,1992, riots broke out in Bombay as a result of communal tension prevailing in the city after the Babri Masjid demolition. The riots left close to 900 dead as many as 2,036 people injured in Bombay. The Srikrishna Committee, which was formed to probe the riots identified two phases. The first was Muslim backlash and the second was Hindu backlash occurring as a result of the killings of Hindu Mathadi Kamgar (workers) by Muslim fanatics which happened in January 1993. (Source: Express Archive)

Children surrender themselves in front of Army Jawan during Curfew after Bombay riots January 1993. (Source: Express archive photo)

A stabbed person laying on street at Bhindi Bazar during 1992-93 Bombay riots. Police personnel trying to help him. Source: Express archive photo

In January 1996, the commission was disbanded by the Sena-BJP government on the ground that it had taken unduly long time to produce its report and that its report, even if produced, was only likely to open old wounds that had healed. It was reconstituted in May 1996 due to pressure from civil groups and prodding by the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee who wrote a letter to the state government. Source: Express Archive

The commission said the December 1992 phase of the rioting by the Muslims was a spontaneous reaction of leaderless and incensed Muslim mobs. Source: Express Archive

The second phase that commenced on January 1993 “by the Hindus brought to fever pitch by communally inciting propaganda unleashed by Hindu communal organisations and writings in newspapers like Saamana and Navaakal. It was taken over by Shiv Sena and its leaders who continued to whip up communal frenzy by their statements and acts and writings and directives issued by the Shiv Sena Pramukh Bal Thackeray.” Express Photo by Neeraj Priyadarshi

A woman flees her home in Asalfa village in Ghatkopar Bombay during the 93 riots. Express Photo by Mukesh Parpiani

Prominent Shiv Sena leaders named by the commission include Bal Thackeray, Gajanan Kirtikar, Madhukar Sarpotdar and Milind Vaidya. Source: Express Archive

The commission also spoke about the “built-in bias” of the police force against Muslims. Source: Express Archive