Reflections on Communal Riots

Finally, efforts must be made to focus Muslims in another direction—that of the work of calling people to God. Their enthusiasm for engaging in action needs to be redirected, from political agitation and internal conflicts to inviting people to God through peaceful activism. If Muslims channelize their enthusiasm for action in this direction, most of their conflicts with others will cease. It is like when an unemployed man who has spent a long time fighting with other people suddenly gets a good job, he gives up his bad habits and focuses entirely on his new vocation. 17 Lessons for Conflict-Resolution I n May 1984, deadly riots rocked Mumbai and the neighbouring town of Bhiwandi. The then head of the Shiv Sena, Mr. Bal Thackeray, had delivered a speech on April 21 at a public rally in Mumbai. The media had not given it much attention, though some local Marathi papers reported on it, but in not a very provocative manner. But the Nasheman, a Bangalore-based Urdu newspaper, covered it—on the 5th of May, several days later. This was enough to inflame Muslim passions. Some days after this, it was highlighted by another Muslim newspaper, the Mumbai-based Alam, this time with bold headlines. And then, as is the norm for them, many other Urdu papers jumped into the fray, highlighting the speech and stoking Muslim emotions. They claimed that Mr. Thackeray had insulted