RESOLUTION B3-1738, 1745, 1750, 1770, 1778, 1787 and 1789/92

Resolution on the violent repercussions of the demolition of the Babri Mosque in Ayodya, India

The European Parliament,

A. deeply shocked at the great loss of life and destruction of property and places of worship in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, following the demolition of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya,

B. stressing that the failure of the Government of Uttar Pradesh State to honour its undertakings to protect the Babri mosque with the State police, in spite of the order of the Supreme Court, has led the Government of India to take the necessary measures to impose President's rule, occupy the site of the mosque with paramilitary forces and arrest some of the leading figures seeking to inflame communal violence,

C. concerned at the urgent need to contain these disturbances in the interest both of inter-communal harmony and continued good relations among the countries of South Asia,

D. concerned also at the subsequent attacks on temples and mosques in the United Kingdom following this incident,

1. Expresses its most profound regret at the deaths which have occurred following the Ayodhya incident and extends its sympathy to the families of those who have died in India and also in Bangladesh and Pakistan;

2. Condemns the irresponsible behaviour of religious fundamentalists whose acts have led to violence, death and the heightening of tension;

3. Supports all those in India who, by upholding the principles of tolerance, non-violence and democratic secularism, defend the foundations of the State;

4. Stresses that religious fanaticism from whatever quarter poses enormous dangers to all the peoples of the sub-continent, in particular the Moslem minority in India and the Hindu minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh;

5. Welcomes the appeals for calm and the restoration of order issued by the leaders of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and calls on political and religious organizations in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to avoid statements and acts which would serve to foment violence and revenge;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, EPC, and the Governments and Parliaments of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.