Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the sequence of events that preceded the 2002 Gujarat riots, placing them within a global context of escalating terrorism and heightened security concerns. In his remarks, he emphasized the significance of understanding the backdrop against which the unfortunate events unfolded, drawing attention to incidents such as the Kandahar hijack, the 9/11 attacks in the United States, the attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, and the parliament attack in India.

By highlighting these events, PM Modi aimed to provide a broader perspective on the prevailing atmosphere of fear and insecurity that gripped the nation and the world in the lead-up to the 2002 riots. He suggested that these incidents contributed to a heightened sense of vulnerability and a climate of suspicion, which may have influenced the events that transpired in Gujarat.

The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in December 1999 was a watershed moment in India’s fight against terrorism. The incident, which involved the abduction of over 150 passengers and crew members, exposed the country’s vulnerability to cross-border terrorism and highlighted the challenges of dealing with non-state actors.

The hijackers, who were reportedly affiliated with the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, demanded the release of several militants imprisoned in India. After days of tense negotiations, the Indian government was forced to concede to the demands, releasing three militants in exchange for the safe return of the hostages.

The Kandahar hijack had a profound impact on Indian public opinion. It exposed the country’s inability to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and fueled a sense of anger and frustration. The incident also led to a reassessment of India’s counter-terrorism strategy and a renewed focus on strengthening security measures.

The September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States sent shockwaves around the world. The attacks, which involved the coordinated hijacking of four commercial airliners, resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and caused extensive damage to the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

The 9/11 attacks were a turning point in the global fight against terrorism. They demonstrated the scale and sophistication of modern terrorist organizations and highlighted the need for international cooperation to combat the threat. The attacks also led to a significant increase in security measures around the world, including enhanced airport security and increased surveillance.

On October 1, 2001, a suicide bomber belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group attacked the Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly building in Srinagar. The attack resulted in the deaths of 38 people, including several lawmakers and security personnel.

The attack on the J&K Assembly was a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region. It underscored the need for continued vigilance and a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism. The attack also led to increased security measures around government buildings and other sensitive installations in Jammu and Kashmir.

On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament House in New Delhi was attacked by terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed groups. The attack, which took place while Parliament was in session, resulted in a fierce gun battle between the terrorists and security forces.

The attack on Parliament was a direct assault on India’s democracy and a brazen attempt to destabilize the country. The attack was successfully repelled by security forces, but it resulted in the deaths of nine people, including five terrorists.

The Parliament attack had a profound impact on Indian politics and society. It led to a sharp increase in tensions between India and Pakistan, which were already strained due to the ongoing conflict in Kashmir. The attack also led to increased security measures around government buildings and other sensitive installations across the country.

By drawing attention to these events, PM Modi aimed to provide a broader context for understanding the 2002 Gujarat riots. He suggested that the prevailing atmosphere of fear and insecurity, fueled by these terrorist attacks, may have contributed to the events that transpired in Gujarat.

It is important to note that the 2002 Gujarat riots were a complex and multifaceted event with a variety of contributing factors. While the global context of terrorism may have played a role, it is essential to consider other factors such as local political dynamics, socio-economic conditions, and historical grievances.

The riots, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, mostly Muslims, were a dark chapter in India’s history. The events surrounding the riots have been the subject of numerous investigations and legal proceedings.

PM Modi’s remarks on the events leading up to the 2002 Gujarat riots provide a valuable perspective on the global context in which the events unfolded. By highlighting incidents such as the Kandahar hijack, the 9/11 attacks, the attack on the J&K Assembly, and the parliament attack, he aimed to illustrate the prevailing atmosphere of fear and insecurity that gripped the nation and the world at the time.

While it is important to understand the broader context of these events, it is equally important to acknowledge the complexity of the 2002 Gujarat riots and to consider the various factors that contributed to the tragedy. The riots remain a sensitive and controversial topic in India, and it is essential to approach the issue with sensitivity and respect for all those who were affected.