In a talk with renowned AI researcher Lex Fridman on Sunday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revisited the period of the 2002 Gujarat riots, showcasing the global context that preceded the tragic events.
PM Modi noted that the Godhra train burning incident, which led to riots, occurred amidst tensions following major terrorist attacks, including the Kandahar hijacking in 1999, the Red Fort attack in 2000, and the 9/11 attacks in the United States in 2001.
About 2002 Gujarat Riots
The 2002 Gujarat riots were a tense moment in India’s history as intense communal violence broke between Hindus and Muslims.
The Godhra riots started on February 27, 2002, following a train carrying Hindu pilgrims was set ablaze in Godhra, killing 59 people. Across Gujarat, this incident triggered widespread violence resulting in over 1,000 deaths, with official figures indicating 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus among the dead.
What Did Narendra Modi Say About the 2002 Gujarat Riots?
PM Modi highlighted on the riots, saying that Gujarat had experienced over 250 communal clashes before 2002, with curfews imposed due to unrest. Modi also refuted claims that the 2002 riots were unprecedented, pointing to previous incidents that were equally devastating.
’12 To 15 Months Leading’ To Godhra Riots’
PM Modi highlighted terrorist attacks in India that preceded Godhra Riots. This is what he said:
Three years earlier on December 24, 1999, an Indian flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked, redirected to Afghanistan and landed in Kandahar. Hundreds of Indian passengers were held hostage. It caused turmoil across India as people faced life and death uncertainty.
The Red Fort in Delhi was attacked by terrorists in the year 2000. Another crisis struck the country intensifying fear and turmoil.
On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers in America faced a terror attack, once again shocking the entire world. The people behind these attacks are driven by a similar mindset. Terrorists attacked the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in October 2001. On December 13th, 2001, India’s parliament was targeted.
‘Godhra Riots Is Biggest Ever Is Actually Misinformation’
The perception that these were the largest riots ever is actually misinformation. You will see that Gujarat faced frequent riots if you review the data from before 2002. Curfews were being imposed somewhere.
Communal violence could erupt over unimportant issues, like kite flying contests or even minor bicycle collisions. Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots before 2002. In 1969, the riots lasted nearly six months. So there was a long history, long before I was in the picture.
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