The Hojai riots of 1993 killed over 90 people amid Hindu-Muslim communal violence triggered by the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
Key Facts
- Total killed
- More than 90 people
- Deaths from security firing
- 10 people
- Religious sites damaged
- About 23 temples and mosques
- Inquiry commission
- Justice D Pathak Commission
- Commission report published
- 2000 (submitted 1995)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992 inflamed communal tensions across India. In Hojai, Assam, rioting began as early as December 1992, with the immediate trigger being a dispute between a photo shop owner and a customer. Police and militant groups such as ULFA forcibly suppressed some early unrest.
Between December 1992 and July 1993, Hindu-Muslim riots erupted in Hojai, Assam. Supporters of the Idgah Protection Force were implicated in the violence. More than 90 people were killed, including 10 who died in police and army firings, and approximately 23 temples and mosques were damaged.
The Assam government instituted the Justice D Pathak Commission to investigate the riots. The commission submitted its report in 1995, but it remained unpublished until 2000. The delayed release of the report drew criticism regarding government transparency in addressing communal violence in the region.
Political Outcome
Over 90 people killed; inquiry commission established; communal tensions persisted in Hojai, Assam following Babri Masjid demolition fallout.