16 Headlines That Captured Events Leading Up to Babri Masjid Demolition | In Pics

Almost four years after the Lucknow High Court shifted out to the new building on Faizabad road, the old High court building in Kaiserbagh is buzzing with activity again because of the Babri Masjid demolition case verdict. Twenty-eight years after the 16th-century mosque was brought down triggering a cycle of communal violence and politics, we look back at 16 headlines that captured the Babri Masjid demolition.The first big-armed assault on Babri Masjid was reported in October 1990, when thousands of Kar Sevaks led by the VHP stormed the mosque and police firing killed six of them. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

Several articles and op-eds were written, praising the decision to open the locks to the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya. Some went on to compare the opening of locks to the fabled return of Lord Ram after serving 14 years in exile. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

A newspaper illustration explains how Kar Sevaks stormed the mosque in October 1990 and the subsequent retaliatory action by the police.  (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

The BJP withdrew support to the VP Singh government at the Centre after LK Advani’s arrest in Bihar in October 1990. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

More than 500 people were counted dead within three days of the demolition of Babri Masjid in December 1992. In Assam, there were reports of people being burnt alive. Other states like MP, Rajasthan, Karnataka and UP showed double-digit casualty figures. Hundreds more would die in communal clashes in the days to follow. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

Advani’s arrest sparked violence in several places, including UP. A newspaper report talks about army conducting flag marches in 26 districts of UP. The entire state was put on red alert. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

Some newspapers published ground reports from Ayodhya with controversial editorial slants. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

Following riots and arson in Delhi, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid is quoted in a report as saying that opening of locks of Jama Masjid has sparked fire across the country. If gates aren't locked, God forbid, anything can happen in the country.” (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

After Babri Masjid was demolished, senior BJP leaders LK Advani and MM Joshi were arrested from the spot. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

Locks to the Babri Masjid were opened in February 1986, allowing Hindu devotees to pray to an idol of Lord Ram. This move ignited small-scale riots at several places. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

A strongly worded edit piece, published in April 1986, titled ‘Andhere Mein Laut Te Kadam’, calls out the strife caused by the opening of Babri gates as a return for our country to a path leading to darkness. (Image: Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

The first big-armed assault on Babri Masjid was reported in October 1990, when thousands of Kar Sevaks led by VHP stormed the mosque. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

There are disputes on religious sites in Varanasi and Mathura also. These sites are not as important for Muslims as they are for Hindus, so it should be easy for Muslims to give up their claims on these lands.’ (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

At the peak of Ram Janmabhoomi unrest, political leaders from various parties tried alternate measures to pacify the situation and resolve the temple issue. This news report quotes the spokesperson of UP government advising Parliament to debate and resolve the issue. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

In 1987, a 'Pratigya Yagya' or a ceremony to take vows to build the Ram Temple was taken in Ayodhya. Vishwa Hindu Parishad was slowly building momentum to build the Ram Temple through gatherings like these. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)

The first big-armed assault on Babri Masjid was reported in October 1990. (Image: Anand Swaroop Verma)