Change in the Role of Muslim After Demolition
For the Muslims, the Demolition, in retrospect, appears to be a turning point. Since 1992 they have been paying attention to their economic and educational development, with or without government support. The Demolition has liberated them from dependence on & support to one or two political parties. It has inspired them, both in the national interest and their own long-term interest to wage a battle against Hindu Nationalism and Hindu Terrorism, of which the Demolition and the Gujarat Genocide 2002 stand out as prime examples.

Therefore, the Muslims will not accept the advice of some pseudo-friends who urge that the Demolition be forgotten. The memory of this tragic event may one day lead the country towards achieving a truly secular order, to build up effective law and institutions to struggle against violence as well as create an environment for inter-religious harmony and tolerance. Communalism has deeply infected the political system & penetrated the administrative and even judicial apparatus. So the secular forces have to wage a relentless struggle for their detoxification and thus ensure that the Rule of Law protects security, dignity and equality of all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste or class. This will signify the ultimate victory of the Indian Nationalism over narrow concepts of Hindu Nationalism.

Some friends argue that the nation should close this ugly chapter after the submission of the Liberhan Report. Their argument is that the Demolition was a political act and the right to punish the elected representatives lies with the people. The problem is that the people do not always punish the wrongdoers; they sometimes reward them, depending on the political climate at the time of voting. But essentially this is a false argument which strikes at the root of the Rule of Law. All are equal before the Law and the criminal law makes no exception for political leaders or elected representatives, as Law ranks above the Kings of the Republic. So law must take its due course, and the political class should not interfere with it or obstruct it or divert it or delay its process.
In social conflicts, particularly in a multi facetted & multi - segmented society like ours there can never be Peace without Justice. If justice is blocked or denied, the wounds continue to bleed and in desperation, the vacuum is filled with the spirit of revenge and retaliation. All citizens must guard against this.
New Delhi
1 July, 2009