Gujarat riots of 2002
Also called: Post-Godhra riots · Topic: Recent Developments in Indian Politics: Coalitions, Mandal and a New Consensus · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 8 "Secularism"
Meaning
The Gujarat riots of 2002 were communal violence, meaning violence between religious communities, in Gujarat. They began after a train coach carrying kar sevaks (volunteers returning from Ayodhya) was set on fire at Godhra on 27 February 2002. More than 1,000 people were killed, most of them Muslims. The riots raised hard questions about whether the state protects minorities and whether those responsible are held to account.
Example
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took up the matter. The Supreme Court appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). In Zakia Jafri (2022), the Court upheld the SIT's closure report. In January 2024, the Court cancelled the early release (remission) granted to the men convicted in the Bilkis Bano case. The current NCERT book leaves out the riots, though earlier editions covered them.
Don't confuse with
- Mumbai riots (1992-93): These followed the Babri Masjid demolition of December 1992. The Gujarat riots followed the Godhra train fire of 2002.