Citizen's March in Delhi on 6 Dec., 1999

Once again it is the sixth of December. Seven years ago on this day, the forces of the Sangh Combine demolished the Babari Masjid. With that act they dealt a grievous blow to the foundation of our secular, democratic, republic and inaugurated their programme to transform India into a fascist, communal "Hindu" Rashtra.

In every sphere today we see the successful unfolding of that plan. Today the close ally of these communal forces, the BJP, holds power in Parliament. Despite all the constraints of coalition rule the BJP has, over the last couple of years, taken our country steadily forward on the path prepared by that terrible, blood-soaked act seven years ago ..

Not a single one of the guilty in all these cases has been punished, nor the victims given compensation. The judicial investigation into the demolition of the Babari Masjid remains at a standstill. Indeed, the most prominent among those who proudly owned responsibility for that deed is now the Home Minister of our country. And the manner in which the BJP is filling the judiciary with its candidates bodes ill for the future.

We can no longer depend on mainstream political parties to save democracy. We believe that this overwhelming threat to our very existence as a democratic and plural society can be met only by an independent citizen initiative. Let us launch a struggle against these reactionary and anti-democratic forces. Let us pledge to fight together, unrelentingly, against these forces and to rebuild a secular and democratic India.

We demand

Ø  A speedy resolution of the investigation into the demolition of the Babari Masjid, and swift and exemplary punishment to the guilty.

Ø  Arrest of L.K. Advani and all others guilty of any role in the demolition.

Ø  (Settlement) through constitutional and legal means.

Ø  Strong and immediate measures against those guilty of attacks on minorities.

Citizens for Secularism

All India Federation of Trade Unions

All India People's Resistance Forum

Citizen's Committee for Secular Action

Citizens for Democracy

CBCI

Forum for Democracy and Community Amity

Indian Radical Humanist Association

Minorities Council of India

National Alliance of People's Movements

People's Movement for Secularism

People's Union for Civil Liberties

People's Union for Democratic Rights and others