Twenty five years after the Babri Masjid was demolished and violence unleashed on Muslim community in various parts of the country, AIDS Bhedbhav Virodhi Andolan (ABVA) is releasing the digitized version of its 58-paged citizens’ report on the violence committed primarily against the Muslims in Seelampur, Delhi on 11 December, 1992.

The report titled “Victims’ Version” was published in early 1993. It was prepared by volunteers working at the Voluntary Medical Centre located in a victim’s house (partially damaged during the violence) at Janta Mazdoor Colony, Seelampur, Delhi. The report presents the victims’ version – as far as possible in their own words – about the violence let loose on 11 December, 92 and directed primarily against the Muslim community. Even at that time a citizens’ report was necessary to provide space to the “voice of the people of the affected area” as the media (both print and electronic) had by and large carried only the establishment version during those crucial days. Case histories form the bulk of the Report. The reaction of the Administration has been outlined after detailing the case histories.

As per official records all those killed were from the Muslim community. Almost all of the injured (with 1 or 2 exceptions) belonged to this minority community. Again, this community bore the brunt of destruction of houses, shops, places of worship. Ironically, most of the people arrested after the violence were from the Muslim community. Majority of injured and those killed have yet to receive the announced compensation.

A total of 3,500 people were examined and treated in the Voluntary Medical Centre. These included victims of violence as also others who presented themselves for medical ailments. Those bed-ridden were attended to at their houses. Medicines were provided by collections raised by ANKUR, Indian Social Institute, Sadbhav Mission, VHAI, Lok Kalyan Samiti and concerned citizens.

Volunteers from ANKUR, Indian Social Institute, Sadbhav Mission, Delhi University, J.N.U., ABVA, Allaripu, PRIA amongst others provided assistance at the VMC. The VMC was daily run on an average by 8 volunteers including two doctors – a Gynecologist and an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Read the full report here:

Victims-Version-1993-ABVA-Report

This story first appeared on sacw.net