(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/6/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today marked the 30th anniversary of the destruction of the historic Babri Mosque in India.
On December 6, 1992, Hindu nationalist mobs, incited by extremist political leaders, destroyed the 16th-century Babri Mosque in the city of Ayodhya. The demolition was followed by months of violent and destructive communal riots that killed 2,000 people, most of whom were Indian Muslims.
Earlier today, the International Society for Peace and Justice, led by Dr. Rehan Khan, held a webinar with interfaith and human rights leaders including Hindu Americans to mark the destruction of the Babri Mosque and express opposition to Hindutva extremism. CAIR’s Executive Director, Nihad Awad, spoke at the webinar.
In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“In 1992, the world watched with horror as Hindutva extremist political leaders incited street mobs to demolish the Babri Masjid, a 16th century mosque of incalculable historic and cultural value.
“Sadly, the destruction of the Babri Masjid was just the beginning. Since then, we have seen countless acts of street violence targeting Muslims in India, and acts of political intrusion and legal warfare targeting historic Muslim houses of worship.
“The destruction of India’s Islamic heritage is part of a campaign of cultural ethnic cleansing by Hindutva extremists and the far-right Modi government that enables them. The international community must take action to end the Indian government’s war on Islam and Muslims.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com