1980 Moradabad riots

The 1980 Moradabad riots, which occurred in the Indian city of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, were a significant event marked by violence and communal tension. The riots began on August 13, 1980, during the Eid festival when a pig entered the local Idgah, leading to a confrontation between the police and the Muslim community.

Background

The incident escalated when the police allegedly refused to remove the pig, resulting in a violent clash. The police responded with firing, which led to numerous deaths. The violence continued for several months, involving arson, looting, and murders.

Inquiry Report Findings

A judicial inquiry commission, led by Justice M.P. Saxena, was established to investigate the riots. The report, made public in August 2023, provided several key findings:

• **No Involvement of RSS and BJP**: The report cleared the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of any involvement in the riots. It stated that neither organization held secret meetings nor incited violence.
• **Role of Muslim League**: The inquiry identified a Muslim League leader, Dr. Shamim Ahmed Khan, and his supporters as the primary instigators of the riots. The report highlighted that these individuals were prepared to confront the police and administration to achieve their political goals.
• **Police Actions**: The report justified the police actions, stating that they fired in self-defense when faced with threats to their lives and the lives of others.
• **Eyewitness Accounts**: Eyewitnesses reported that the violence was pre-planned, with Hindu eyewitnesses recounting incidents of police firing and a Hindu woman being burnt alive by a Muslim mob.

Impact

The riots had a profound impact on the local community and the brassware industry in Moradabad, which saw a significant decline in production and exports. The communal violence left deep scars and highlighted the challenges of maintaining communal harmony in a diverse society.

Conclusion

The 1980 Moradabad riots remain a poignant reminder of the potential for communal tensions to escalate into violence. The inquiry report's findings aim to provide clarity and accountability, helping to prevent such incidents in the future.

https://www.opindia.com/2023/08/1980-moradabad-riot-inquiry-report-muslim-league-congress-hindu-eyewitness-pre-planned/ ^[archive]

https://www.opindia.com/2023/08/1980-moradabad-riots-inquiry-report-eyewitness-police-killed-hindu-woman-burnt-alive-by-muslim-mob/ ^[archive]