| Revision as of 22:59, 8 May 2017 view sourceClueBot NG (talk | contribs)Bots, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers6,438,330 editsm Reverting possible vandalism by Akshukla90 to version by Kashmiri. Report False Positive? Thanks, ClueBot NG. (3033306) (Bot)← Previous edit | Revision as of 17:48, 10 May 2017 view source 43.239.204.34 (talk) ←Blanked the pageTag: blankingNext edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| {{POV|date=March 2014}} | |||
| {{terrorism}} | |||
| {{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}} | |||
| '''''Saffron terror''''' is a ] used to describe acts of violence motivated by ] perpetrated by members, or alleged members, of Hindu nationalist organisations close to ] (RSS) and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scroll.in/article/759508/hindutva-terror-cases-nia-on-the-backfoot-as-apex-court-questions-complicity-charges|title=Hindutva terror cases: NIA on the backfoot as apex court questions complicity charges}}</ref><ref name=deepsaffron>{{cite news |author=Christophe Jaffrelot |title=A running thread of deep saffron |newspaper=Indian Express |date=29 January 2009 |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/a-running-thread-of-deep-saffron/416409/ |accessdate=2014-11-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Subhash Gatade |title=Saffron terror|newspaper=Himal |date=October 2007 |url=http://old.himalmag.com/component/content/article/1340-saffron-terror.html |accessdate=16 December 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The term comes from the symbolic use made of the ] colour by the Hindu nationalist organisations.<ref name="ocap">{{cite news | url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-08-26/news/27614770_1_saffron-terror-terror-incidents-bomb-blasts | title = Beware of saffron terror too, warns home minister |work=The Economic Times | date = 26 August 2010 | accessdate = 10 October 2010}}</ref><ref name="deccanherald">{{cite news |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/93137/phrase-saffron-terror-takes-message.html |title=PC defends 'saffron terror' remark |newspaper= Deccan Herald |date=1 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_570749.html |title=Rise of Hindu 'saffron terror' New straits Times |date=25 August 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120090509/http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_570749.html |archivedate=20 January 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-call-it-hindutva-terror-not-hindu-terror/20111014.htm#1|title=Call it Hindutva terror, not Hindu terror|date=14 October 2011|publisher=www.rediff.com/news|accessdate=16 December 2014|author=Vicky Nanjappa}}</ref> | |||
| == Usage == | |||
| The first known use of the term "Saffron Terror" is from a 2002 article in '']''.<ref>{{cite news |first=Praveen |last=Swami |title=Saffron Terror |newspaper=Frontline |date=16 March 2002 |url=http://www.frontline.in/navigation/?type=static&page=flonnet&rdurl=fl1906/19060080.htm |accessdate=2014-12-10}}</ref> However, it was in the aftermath of the 29 September 2008 bomb blast in the predominantly Muslim town of ] in Maharashtra that it came to be used widely.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2523/stories/20081121252310100.htm |author=Praful Bidwai | title = Saffron Terror | publisher = Frontline |date=8 November 2008 |accessdate=2014-11-17}}</ref> | |||
| <!-- why is this here: | |||
| <ref name=vital>{{cite web | url = http://zeenews.india.com/home/malegaon-blasts-arrests-vital-in-exposing-hindu-terrorism_479823.html | title = Malegaon blasts arrests vital in exposing Hindu terrorism | publisher = ZeeNews.com | date = 30 October 2008 | accessdate = 2014-11-17}}</ref>--><!-- | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/142835/Not-terrified-of-terrorism.html|title=Not terrified of terrorism|work=dailypioneer.com}}</ref><ref name="anger">{{cite web |url=http://ramansterrorismanalysis.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/muslim-anger-vs-hindu-anger.html |title=Muslim Anger Vs Hindu Anger, International Terrorism Monitor – Paper No. 466 |accessdate=2014-11-17}}</ref><ref name=ripoff>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/136393/Rip-off-secular-medias-mask.html|title=Rip off 'secular' media's mask|work=dailypioneer.com}}</ref> and | |||
| --> | |||
| In late 2008, Indian police arrested members of a Hindu terrorist cell allegedly involved in the ]. The blame for several of these attacks has been placed on ] groups. Former Home Minister of India ] urged Indians to beware of "Saffron terror" in August 2010 at a meeting of state police chiefs in New Delhi.<ref name="saffronterrorndtv">{{cite web| url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/saffron-terrorism-a-new-phenomenon-says-home-minister-chidambaram-47193 |title=Saffron Terrorism — a new phenomenon, says Home Minister Chidambaram |publisher=NDTV.com |date=25 August 2010 |accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> Since making that remark, a Hindu ] in the ] has filed a ] lawsuit against Chidambaram, saying that the saffron colour is a symbol of Hindu religion and that saints across the country wear attire of the same colour. The swami also said that saffron was a symbol of peace, sacrifice and God, and that Chidambaram has hurt the sentiments of Hindus by linking the symbol with terrorism.<ref>{{cite news | title = Defamation suit against P Chidambaram for 'saffron terror' remark | author = ] | newspaper = ] | date = 30 August 2010 | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_defamation-suit-against-p-chidambaram-for-saffron-terror-remark_1431142 | accessdate = 30 August 2010}}</ref> On 6 September 2010, a ] court ordered a probe into the use of the term by Chidambaram.<ref>{{cite news | title = Court orders probe into PC's saffron terror remarks | newspaper = ] | date = 6 September 2010 | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/Court-orders-probe-into-PC-s-saffron-terror-remarks/Article1-596703.aspx | accessdate = 8 September 2010}}</ref> Chidambaram was also criticised by members of his own party (the ]) for the use of the term, with Congress spokesman ] claiming "terrorism does not have any colour other than black."<ref>{{cite news | author = TNN | url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-28/india/28321710_1_saffron-terror-colour-saffron-terror-strikes | title = Congress ticks off Chidambaram over 'saffron terror' remark |work=The Times of India | date = 28 August 2010 | accessdate = 10 October 2010}}</ref> | |||
| The saffron colour appears in the party flags of various national parties of India like the ] and the ] (BJP).<ref name="Party1">{{cite web | title = Article II-A Party Flag | url=http://www.aicc.org.in/Constitution%20FINAL%2012.6.08.pdf | accessdate = 21 March 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Party2">{{cite web| title=Article II-A Party Flag |url=http://bjpkarnataka.org/downloads/bjp-logo-and-flags |accessdate=21 March 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315105709/http://bjpkarnataka.org/downloads/bjp-logo-and-flags/ |archivedate=15 March 2013 }}</ref> A saffron-coloured flag is commonly seen in most temples in India. ]s typically wear saffron robes as a symbol of wisdom.<ref name="Robe">{{cite web | last=O'Brien |first= Barbara | title = The Buddha's Robe | url=http://buddhism.about.com/od/thefirstbuddhists/a/robes.htm | accessdate = 21 March 2013 }}</ref> It has been claimed that the term "saffron terrorism" is a misnomer considering the historical descriptions of the saffron colour compared to the definitions of ].<ref name="wethepeople">{{cite web| title=On we the people: Is saffron terror a misnomer or real threat |url=http://social.ndtv.com/wethepeople/permalink/20556 |accessdate=21 March 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055953/http://social.ndtv.com/wethepeople/permalink/20556 |archivedate=21 September 2013 }}</ref><ref name="mohan">{{cite web | title = Hindu terror is a misnomer, says RSS chief | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/hindu-terror-is-amisnomer-says-rss-chief/20101017.htm | accessdate = 21 March 2013 }}</ref> Saffron is the colour of the upper band of the ]. ], who was India's first Vice-President and second President, described the saffron colour as follows: "Bhagwa or the saffron colour denotes renunciation of disinterestedness. Our leaders must be indifferent to material gains and dedicate themselves to their work."<ref name="flag">{{cite web| url=http://mahapolice.gov.in/mahapolice/jsp/temp/html/flag_code_of_india.pdf| title=flagcodeofindia}}</ref> | |||
| === Criticism === | |||
| The term "saffron terror" has been called a "myth" by the journalist and BJP leader ], who claims that it is an invention of the ] party to demonise their political opposition as "terrorists".<ref>, ''Daily Pioneer'' – 12 December 2008 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616100602/http://www.dailypioneer.com/142835/Not-terrified-of-terrorism.html |date=16 June 2011 }}</ref> Similar views have been expressed by other journalists in India.<ref>, ''The Pioneer'' – 24 November 2008 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616100614/http://www.dailypioneer.com/136393/Rip-off-secular-medias-mask.html |date=16 June 2011 }}</ref> ] and ] have accused investigators of making statements using "saffron terror" to the media to promote the agenda of the Congress.<ref name=freemedia>{{cite web | url = http://rsschennai.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/free-media-tars-rss-with-fiction.html | title = 'Free' media tars RSS with fiction | author = ] | date = 18 July 2010 | work = ] | accessdate = 2014-11-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main46.asp?filename=Ne070810coverstorypartIII.asp | title = Battleground heats up as the Hand plucks at the Lotus, one petal at a time | author = ] | date = 7 August 2010 | work = ] | accessdate = 30 July 2010}}</ref> Raman accused the media of measuring Muslim and Hindu suspects by different yardsticks.<ref> Rediff — 17 November 2011</ref> | |||
| The ]'s (BJP) president, ], spoke of a "political conspiracy" aimed at the "vilification of ] and army officers in the name of Hindu terrorism".<ref name="India Times editorial">{{cite news | url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-19/subverse/27941797_1_hindu-terror-hindu-terrorism-saffron-terror | title = SUBVERSE | Unholy terrors | author = Jug Suraiya | date = 18 November 2008 | work = ] | accessdate = 24 June 2010}}</ref> | |||
| In 2010, the internet ] organisation ] released ] in which the US ambassador to India scornfully dismissed suggestions by an Indian minister that the death of ], a senior anti-terrorism investigator killed by Islamist militants during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was somehow orchestrated by Hindu extremists. The term "saffron terror" was prominently used by some Congress party members in this campaign, most prominently by ].<ref>Copy of diplomatic cable dated 23 December 2008 (10 December 2010). . '']''. Retrieved 13 December 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Offence is Cong's defence |first=Kumar Shakti |last=Shekhar |url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/305049/Offence-is-Cong%E2%80%99s-defence.html |newspaper=The Pioneer |date=20 December 2010 |accessdate=15 January 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223024332/http://dailypioneer.com/305049/Offence-is-Cong%E2%80%99s-defence.html |archivedate=23 December 2010 }}</ref> The BJP criticised these statements and filed a complaint with the ], citing it as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct for political parties. The Election Commission issued a show-cause notice to Digvijay Singh on this complaint.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Deuce-EC-notice-to-Sonia-Digvijay/articleshow/2609302.cms | title = Deuce! EC notice to Sonia, Digvijay | work = The Economic Times | date = 10 December 2007 | accessdate = 10 October 2010}}</ref> The Hindu spiritual leader ] has also criticised it, saying that it is a myth and insult to the Hindu religion, which he said is the most tolerant religion.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.indianexpress.com/news/not-true./766180/ | title = 'Saffron terror' term insult to Hindu religion: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar | date = 23 March 2011 | work = ] | accessdate = 24 March 2011}}</ref> | |||
| On April 15, 2015, the Apex Court ruled that there was no evidence to charge Sadhvi Pragya and Shrikant Purohit under the stringent MCOCA, and therefore their bail plea should be examined afresh by the special trial court. A bench headed by Justice F. M. I. Kalifulla said there is no reliable material to ''prima facie'' show that the duo along with four other accused was "criminally liable under the provisions of MCOCA".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-3040794/Malegaon-blast-accused-Sadhvi-Pragya-Shrikant-Purohit-bail-Supreme-Court-ruling.html| title=Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya and Shrikant Purohit could get bail after Supreme Court ruling|work=Mail Online}}</ref> | |||
| == Torture by Maharashtra ATS == | |||
| After receiving a complaint letter, the ] (NHRC) has initiated a probe into the allegation that Melagaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur was illegally detained and tortured by the Maharashtra ATS and state police. The statement was recorded at the Ved Khushilal Ayurvedic College where Pragya is undergoing treatment as the lower part of her body is now paralysed, which she claims is an outcome of the police atrocities. A copy of Pragya Thakur's statement is with TOI, in which she argued that the Maharashtra police beat her with leather belts through the nights, starved her for 24 days without even a morsel of food, gave her electric shocks, verbally abused her and made her listen to objectionable pornographic recordings in the company of male undertrials. When an undertrial objected at the Kala Chouki police station on October 26, 2008, he was brutally beaten.<ref name="indiatimes.com">{{cite web| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Sadhvi-Pragya-narrates-police-torture-story-on-video/articleshow/45364870.cms| title=Sadhvi Pragya narrates police torture story on video| work=The Times of India}}</ref> | |||
| The NIA was investigating a terror link in the RSS leader Sunil Joshi murder case, but they have found no such connection.<ref name="indiatimes.com"/> | |||
| == Incidents of terror == | |||
| Hindu extremist organisations have allegedly carried out terrorist attacks like ], ] (]), ] and the ]. There are some links and connections with Islamist organisations with these blasts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Samjhauta-Blast-Case-Counter-Investigation-To-NIA-Investigation/2013/01/23/article1432735.ece|title=Samjhauta Blast Case: Counter Investigation To NIA Investigation|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref name="outlookindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/the-mysterious-case-of-arif-qasmani/250355|title=The Mysterious Case Of Arif Qasmani - B. Raman - Jul 04,2009|work=outlookindia.com}}</ref> | |||
| Arif Qasmani of Karachi has been specifically named by the notification on July 1, 2009, by the US Department of Treasury as involved in the Mumbai suburban train blasts of July 2006, and in the Samjhauta Express blast of February, 2007.<ref name="outlookindia.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/curious-case-of-qasmani-who-usun-named-in-bombing/735185/|title=Curious case of Qasmani, who US, UN named in bombing|work=indianexpress.com}}</ref> | |||
| === 1999 Burning alive of Australian Christian missionary and his children: ] === | |||
| Bajrang Dal member ] was convicted for leading the mob that burnt alive Australian Christian missionary ] and his two sons, Philip (aged 10) and Timothy (aged 6) on 22 January 1999. The Staines were sleeping in their station wagon at Manoharpur village in the Kendujhar district of the Indian state of ] (now Odisha), about 400 kilometres (250 mi) from Bhubaneswar, when the mob attacked and set the vehicle on fire, prevented even the children from escaping and murdered all three.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/1999/jan/23oris.htm|title=Australia-born missionary, children, burnt alive in Orissa}}</ref> | |||
| Khurda District court sentenced ] to death in 2003; this was commuted to life in imprisonment by Orissa High Court in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/may/19staines.htm |title=Staines murder: Dara Singh's death sentence commuted to life term |work=Rediff News |date=19 May 2005 |accessdate=8 March 2015}}</ref> | |||
| === 2002 Gujarat riots === | |||
| {{Main|2002 Gujarat riots}} | |||
| The 2002 communal riots in ], where the majority of victims were Muslims, are attributed largely to "foot soldiers" of the ] movement.<ref name="Anheier"/> The riots are part of a recent rise of Hindu extremist movements in India that have been linked to Saffron terrorism.<ref name="Anheier">{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Global Studies|first=Helmut K.|last=Anheier|first2=Mark|last2=Juergensmeyer|publisher=SAGE Publications|date=2012|isbn=9781506338224|page=860}}</ref> | |||
| === 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings === | |||
| {{Main|2007 Samjhauta Express bombings}} | |||
| Twin blasts shook two coaches of the ] around midnight on 18 February 2007. Sixty-eight people were killed in the ensuing fire and dozens were injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/NewsMartImportedStories/66-die-in-terror-attack-on-Samjhauta-Express/Article1-206617.aspx |title=66 die in 'terror attack' on Samjhauta Express |work=Hindustan Times |date=20 February 2007 |accessdate=11 March 2013}}</ref> It has been allegedly linked to ], a Hindu fundamentalist group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/The-Mirror-Explodes/266145 |title=The Mirror Explodes | Smruti Koppikar |publisher=Outlookindia.com |accessdate=2014-11-17}}</ref> In November 2008, it was reported that the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) suspected the attacks were linked to Prasad Shrikant Purohit, an Indian army officer and member of Abhinav Bharat.<ref>{{cite web|author=Agencies |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/purohit-supplied-rdx-for-samjhauta-bomb-ats/386143/ |title=Purohit supplied RDX for Samjhauta bomb: ATS |publisher=Express India |accessdate=2014-11-17}}</ref> Purohit himself claimed that he had "infiltrated" the Abhinav Bharat. During an army's Court of Inquiry, 59 witnesses stated to the court, along with Officers who testified, that Purohit was doing his job of gathering intelligence inputs by infiltrating extremist organisations.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/lt-colonel-purohit-did-the-army-sell-short-an-effective-officer-237995 |title=Lt Colonel Purohit: Did the Army sell short an effective officer? |publisher=NDTV.com |date=30 June 2012 |accessdate=9 March 2013|quote=One by one, 59 witnesses, all from the Army, have told a Court of Inquiry — step one of Army's legal process- why they believe Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit was just doing his job by fraternising with right-wing extremists. ..Officers have testified that Lieutenant Colonel Purohit had, in the course of his duties, infiltrated organisations like the Students Islamic Movement of India or SIMI. This is exactly what he had been ordered to do as a military intelligence man.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/I-infiltrated-Abhinav-Bharat-Purohit/Article1-881014.aspx |title=I infiltrated Abhinav Bharat: Purohit |work=Hindustan Times |date=29 June 2012 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> On 8 January 2011, ], a ] of the ] (RSS), confessed that he was involved in the bombing of Samjhauta express,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-08/india/28376204_1_aseemanand-naba-kumar-sarkar-bomb-for-bomb-plan |title=Aseemanand owns up to strike on Mecca Masjid|work=The Times of India |date=8 January 2011 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> a statement he later claimed to have made under duress.<ref>{{cite web|author=Rajinder Nagarkoti, TNN 10 Jan 2011, 02.57am IST |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-10/india/28378569_1_nia-court-samjhauta-express-blasts-blasts-case |title=Swami Aseemanand 'confessed' under duress: Counsel|work=The Times of India |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> Aseemanand claimed that he was tortured to give a false statement.<ref name="TheHindu">{{cite web|last=Staff Reporter|title=My arrest illegal: Aseemanand|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2237816.ece|work=The Hindu|accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> | |||
| There have also been allegations that ] was responsible for the bombings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_us-review-finds-five-warnings-of-headley-s-militant-links_1463614 |title=US review finds five warnings of Headley’s militant links — India — DNA |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=8 November 2010 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> The United States declared Arif Qasmani, a Pakistani national and alleged 'LeT financier', to be the chief coordinator of the ] as well as the 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings, and labelled him an international terrorist via the United Nations.<ref>{{cite web|author=ramesh |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/curious-case-of-qasmani-who-us-un-named-in-bombing/735185/0 |quote="In return for Qasmani's support, Al-Qaida provided him with operatives to support the July 2006 train bombing in Mumbai, India, and the February 2007 Samjota Express bombing in Panipat, India. Qasmani also facilitated the movement of Al-Qaida personnel out of Afghanistan in 2001," states the UN's narrative summary justifying the action against Qasmani. The US justification is similar. |title=Curious case of Qasmani, who US, UN named in bombing |work=The Indian Express |date=9 January 2011 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Sachin Parashar |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-11/india/29531592_1_qaida-al-qaida-arif-qasmani |title=LeT trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction with help from Qaida|work=The Times of India |date=11 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipcs.org/article/india/samjhauta-express-blast-vs-mumbai-terror-attacks-3328.html |title=Samjhauta Express Blast Vs Mumbai Terror Attacks by Radhavinod Raju |publisher=Ipcs.org |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> {{as of|2013}}, nobody has been convicted for the crime in India.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} | |||
| === 2007 Ajmer Dargah attack === | |||
| {{Main|Ajmer Dargah attack}} | |||
| The Ajmer Dargah blast occurred on 11 October 2007, outside the ] (shrine) of ] saint ] in ], Rajasthan, allegedly by the ] organisation ] (RSS) and its groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/what-is-the-ajmer-dargah-blast-case-4580300/|title=What is the Ajmer Dargah blast case?}}</ref><ref name="ToI-201110109-mole">{{cite news|last=Mohan|first=Vishwa|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-09/india/28361088_1_rss-leader-indresh-kumar-swami-aseemanand-naba-kumar-sarkar|title=Co-conspirators saw RSS man as ISI mole|newspaper=]|date=9 January 2011|accessdate=14 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/ajmer-blast-case-two-rss-pracharaks-sentenced-life-imprisonment-4580944/|title=Ajmer blast case: Two ‘RSS pracharaks’ sentenced life imprisonment}}</ref> On 22 October 2010, five accused perpetrators, of which four said to belong to the RSS, were arrested in connection with the blast.<ref name="IndianExpress-20101101">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/four-of-five-ajmer-blast-accused-have-rss-links-ats/705648/|title=Four of five Ajmer blast accused have RSS links: ATS|newspaper=]|date=1 November 2010|accessdate=18 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1362808/india-jails-hindu-radicals-life-ajmer-sharif-shrine-blast/|title=India jails Hindu radicals for life over Ajmer Sharif shrine blast}}</ref> Swami Aseemanand, in his confession, implicated the then General Secretary ] for ordering the terrorist strike.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://post.jagran.com/aseemanand-links-mohan-bhagwat-to-terror-attacks-report-1391682536|title=Aseemanand links Mohan Bhagwat to terror attacks: Report|date=6 February 2014|work=jagran.com}}</ref> Bhavesh Patel, another accused in the bombings, has corroborated these statements but later claimed that the ] ] and some other Congress leaders forced him to implicate the RSS leaders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ajmer-blast-accused-claims-shinde-forced-him-to-name-rss-chief-bhagwat/424426-3-239.html?utm_source=ref_article|title=Shinde forced me to name RSS chief: Ajmer blast accused|work=IBNLive}}</ref> | |||
| === 2008 Malegaon blasts === | |||
| {{Main|29 September 2008 western India bombings}} | |||
| On 29 September 2008, three bombs exploded in the States of ] and ] killing 8 persons and injuring 80. During the investigation in Maharashtra, a Hindu group was alleged to have been involved in the blasts. Three of the arrested persons were identified as Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/newdelhi/arrests-of-hindu-terrorists-embarasses-bjp/article1-347669.aspx |title=Arrests of 'Hindu terrorists' embarasses BJP |work=Hindustan Times |date=28 October 2008 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-25/india/27909361_1_maharashtra-s-anti-terrorism-squad-ats-abvp |title=Sadhvi in jail for Malegaon blast|work=The Times of India |date=25 October 2008 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> Shiv Narayan Gopal Singh Kalsanghra and Shyam Bhawarlal Sahu. All three were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in ], which remanded them to custody till 3 November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102561761400.htm |title=Front Page : Malegaon blast; three remanded to custody |work=The Hindu |date=25 October 2008 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> On 28 October, the ], came out in support of the accused saying that the arrests were merely political in nature. Lending credence to this, the party chief, ], pointed out a potential ] in political rivalry as the ] (NCP) controlled the relevant ministry.<ref>{{cite web|author=PTI, 28 October 2008, 04:39PM IST |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sadhvi_Pragya_victim_of_race_within_cops_Shiv_Sena/rssarticleshow/3649064.cms |title=Real masterminds still at large, sadhvi Pragya a victim: Sena — Mumbai — City |work=The Times of India |date=28 October 2008 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> NIA, National Investigation Agency, has found no evidence against Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and it has recommended the court to drop all charges against her.<ref name=IndianExpress>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sunil-joshi-murder-nia-set-to-drop-case-against-sadhvi-pragya-others-arrested-by-mp-police/1212272/ |title=NIA set to drop case against Sadhvi Pragya, others arrested by MP Police }}</ref><ref></ref> following which Bombay High Court granted bail to Pragya Thakur on 22 April 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/835892/why-blame-judiciary-for-granting-pragya-thakur-bail-when-investigative-agencies-show-no-spine|title=Why blame judiciary for granting Pragya Thakur bail when investigative agencies show no spine?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catchnews.com/politics-news/sadhvi-pragya-singh-may-not-like-saffron-terror-but-that-doesn-t-mean-it-was-a-bogey-59246.html|title=Sadhvi Pragya Singh may not like saffron terror, but that doesn't mean it was a 'bogey'}}</ref> | |||
| The Army officer Prasad Shrikant Purohit was also accused of being involved in the blast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/malegaon-blast-ats-says-purohit-main-conspi/413034/ |title=Malegaon blast: ATS says Purohit main conspirator |work=The Indian Express |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> His counsel alleged that he was being falsely framed for political reasons because he has intelligence data of a sensitive nature pertaining to the operations of ] (SIMI) and Pakistan's ], which could embarrass some quarters.<ref>{{cite web|author=Agencies |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/malegaon-probe--purohit-could-even-be-eliminated-by-ats-/387838/ |title=Malegaon probe: ‘Purohit could even be eliminated by ATS’ |publisher=Express India |accessdate=2014-11-17}}</ref> | |||
| === Mecca Masjid bombing === | |||
| {{Main|Mecca Masjid bombing}} | |||
| The Mecca Masjid bombing occurred on 18 May 2007 inside the ], a mosque in ]. Fourteen people were reported dead in the immediate aftermath.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/homepage/homedetails.asp#Killer|title=Homepage – Deccan Chronicle|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> The ],<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-29/india/30454293_1_special-nia-court-swami-aseemanand-samjhauta-blast-case |title=HC notice to NIA on Aseemanand petition|work=The Times of India}}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web|author=PTI |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article993217.ece |title=RSS leader likely to be quizzed again in Masjid blast case |work=The Hindu |date=27 December 2010 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite web| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-27/jaipur/28225231_1_rajasthan-ats-dargah-blast-indresh-kumar |title=ATS may grill Aseemanand before tackling Indresh|work=The Times of India}}</ref> questioned former members of the ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mosque-blast-RSS-man-grilled/H1-Article1-641887.aspx |title=Mosque blast: RSS man grilled |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 December 2010 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Rahul Tripathi, TNN 24 Dec 2010, 03.06am IST |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-24/india/28222720_1_rss-leader-indresh-kumar-ajmer-blast |title=RSS leader grilled for Hindu terror|work=The Times of India |date=24 December 2010 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> On 19 November 2010, the ] produced ] before the court in connection with the Blast. But later he has retracted the confession citing the mental and physical pressure to provide that confession.<ref> MSN News — 31 March 2010</ref> The Special investigation Team (SIT) of Hyderabad Police arrested ‘south India commander’ of the LeT, identified as Shaik Abdul Khaja alias Amjad, from Afzalgunj area of the city. Police said that the arrestee was linked to Mohammed Abdul Shahid Bilal, key suspect in the bombing.<ref name="Andhra" /> In 2013, ] confessed that ] had bombed two other places in ] later in August 2007 to avenge Mecca Masjid blast which was then allegedly attributed to Hindu fundamental groups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/indian-mujahideen-bombed-hyderabad-to-avenge-mecca-masjid-blasts-yasin-bhatkal/|title=Indian Mujahideen bombed Hyderabad to ‘avenge’ Mecca Masjid blasts: Yasin Bhatkal|date=2013-09-03|website=The Indian Express|access-date=2016-03-15}}</ref> | |||
| The South Asia Terrorism Portal,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/jandk/terrorist_outfits/HuJI.htm |title=Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) |publisher=Satp.org |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/HuJIaftertheDeathofitsIndiaChief_TKSingh_130208 |title=HuJI after the Death of its India Chief | Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |publisher=Idsa.in |date=13 February 2008 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> the National Counter-terrorism Center<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Huji-not-Hindu-group-behind-Makkah-Masjid-blast/Article1-603896.aspx |title=Huji, not Hindu group, behind Mecca Masjid blast |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 September 2010 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> the United States,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/the-sunday-et/dateline-india/US-UN-declare-HuJI-as-terrorist-organisation/articleshow/6272775.cms |title=US, UN declare HuJI as terrorist organisation |work=The Economic Times |date=8 August 2010 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> and the United Nations<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/us-un-declare-huji-a-terror-group-42598?from=rightpanel |title=US, UN declare HuJI a terror group |publisher=NDTV.com |date=7 August 2010 |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref> reported that ] was actually behind the attacks while excluding involvement by any Hindu group. Noting this, security analyst Bahukutumbi Raman has questioned "the two different versions that have emerged from Indian and American investigators."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?269964 |title=No Double Standards by B. Raman |publisher=Outlookindia.com |accessdate=15 April 2013}}</ref> The South Asia Terrorism Portal cited Vikar Ahmed as a main suspect in the blast.<ref name="Andhra">{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/andhra/data_sheets/islamistex.htm |title=Data sheets: Terrorism related incidents in Andhra Pradesh since 2007 |publisher=Satp.org |accessdate=9 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/timeline/2008.htm |title=India — Timeline Year 2008 |publisher=Satp.org |accessdate=11 March 2013}}</ref> Mohammed Abdul Shahid Bilal, former chief of HuJI’s Indian operations, is also regarded as a key suspect in the Mecca Masjid bombing. Later he was shot by unknown gunmen in Karachi on 30 August 2007.<ref name="Andhra" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/India/Mecca-Masjid-blast-mastermind-dead/Article1-314861.aspx |title=Mecca Masjid blast mastermind dead |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 June 2008 |accessdate=11 March 2013}}</ref> | |||
| === Other allegations === | |||
| Members of ] have been alleged to have been involved in a plot to kill ] President ],<ref>{{cite news | author = Shibu Thomas, TNN | url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-06-28/india/28315703_1_malegaon-blast-case-mohan-bhagwat-bhagwat-and-one | title = Did Abhinav Bharat plan to kill RSS chief? |work=The Times of India | date = 28 June 2010 | accessdate = 10 October 2010}}</ref> allegedly with the help of ]'s ].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_abhinav-bharat-used-derogatory-words-against-rss-chief-rr-patil_1369157 | title = Abhinav Bharat used derogatory words against RSS chief: RR Patil | last = Gangan | first = Surendra | date = 9 April 2010 | accessdate = 12 October 2010 | location = Mumbai}}</ref> ] released a recorded video tested by the ] which indicated the uncovering of an alleged plot to assassinate the ] ].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/105546/India/saffron-brigades-terror-plots-exposed.html | title = Saffron brigade's terror plots exposed: India Today | last = Khetan | first = Ashsih | date = 15 July 2010 | accessdate = 28 July 2010 | location = New Delhi}}</ref> Tehelka also released alleged audio tape transcripts of main conspirators of Abhinav Bharat, which indicated involvement of Military intelligence officers with the ] group, in their January 2011 edition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main48.asp?filename=Ne010111The_unturned.asp |title=The Unturned Stone |work=Tehelka |accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> | |||
| The Indian ] ] said that at least 10 people having close links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated organisations were named accused in various acts of terror across India.<ref name="Hindu_RSS_01222013">{{cite news|title=10 people wanted in blast cases had links with RSS|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/10-people-wanted-in-blast-cases-had-links-with-rss/article4332826.ece?homepage=true|accessdate=22 January 2013|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> | |||
| According to released documents by ], Congress(I) party's general secretary Rahul Gandhi remarked to US Ambassador Timothy Roemer, at a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister of India at his residence in July 2009, that the RSS was a "bigger threat" to India than the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-think-before-you-speak-rss-tells-rahul/20101221.htm |title=Think before you speak, RSS tells Rahul — Rediff.com News |publisher=Rediff.com |date=21 December 2010 |accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> At The Annual Conference of Director Generals of Police held in New Delhi on 16 September 2011, a special director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) reportedly informed the state police chiefs that Hindutva activists have either been suspected or are under investigation in 16 incidents of bomb blasts in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=100893 |title=Hindutva activists behind 16 terror blasts in the country? |publisher=South Asia Mail |accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Anirban Bhaumik, New Delhi, 20 Sep, DHNS: |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/192456/saffron-terror-role-being-probed.html |title='Saffron terror' role being probed |work=Deccan Herald |accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> | |||
| == See also == | |||
| {{div col|colwidth=30em}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| {{div col end}} | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{Reflist | |||
| | refs =http://mahapolice.gov.in/mahapolice/jsp/temp/html/flag_code_of_india.pdf | |||
| | colwidth = 30em | |||
| }} | |||
| == Further reading == | |||
| * {{cite news | author = ] | url = http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?265400 | title = The Rise of Hindutva Terrorism | publisher = outlookindia.com | date = 11 May 2010}} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Saffron}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||