Unveiling the Forgotten Tragedy: The Marad Massacre of 2003 [ Kerala, India ]

[ Reported as soon ]

Explore the chilling events of the Marad massacre, a brutal attack on Hindu fishermen in Kerala, India, orchestrated by leftist and Islamist organizations. Discover the hidden truths, the subsequent investigation, and the urgent need for communal harmony and justice.

Introduction

The Marad massacre, which took place on the 2nd of May 2003, remains a dark chapter in the history of communal violence in India. Situated in the Kozhikode city of Kerala, Marad beach witnessed a brutal attack orchestrated by activists of leftist and Islamist organizations, resulting in the death of eight innocent Hindu fishermen. Despite its magnitude and impact, the incident has been largely ignored by the media and the public, overshadowed by the riots in Gujarat that occurred a year earlier.

The event unfolds

The massacre at Marad unfolded under a crescent moon, catching the Hindu fishermen off guard as they rested on the beach after a day’s work. Armed with swords, machetes, and improvised explosives, the attackers descended upon the fishermen from multiple directions, leaving behind a trail of death and devastation. The victims, including Chandran, Dasan, Gopalan, Krishnan, Madhavan, Prajeesh, Pushparaj, and Santhosh, were brutally hacked to death, with some suffering mutilation of their bodies.

Reaction of the media and the intellectuals

One disturbing aspect of the aftermath was the response of the media in Kerala, which downplayed the incident and failed to investigate the victims’ homes. The biased coverage and reluctance to attribute blame to the attackers raised questions about the concept of secularism in the region. When Hindus are victimized, there is often a tendency to avoid specifically identifying the perpetrators or to assign equal blame to both communities involved. The incident in Marad exposed the flaws in this approach and highlighted the need for honest reporting and accountability.

The intellectuals and human rights activists in Kerala, who usually express solidarity with minority communities, remained conspicuously silent about the Marad massacre. Their selective outrage and lack of condemnation for the targeted violence against Hindus revealed a double standard in their advocacy for justice and equality. The absence of prominent figures like Medha Patkar, who chose to ignore the incident while addressing other incidents of violence, further emphasized the invisibility of Hindu victims.

Origins

The roots of the Marad attack can be traced back to the escalating communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims in the region. Historical incidents, such as the attacks in 1921 and subsequent anti-Hindu offensives, set the stage for the targeted violence in Marad. Over the years, a pattern of aggression against the Hindu community emerged, leading to their displacement from the coastal regions of Kozhikode. The attackers’ ultimate goal was to cleanse the area of Hindu presence, paralleling the actions of Hitler’s Germany in its persecution of Jews.

The Marad incident served as a wake-up call for the Hindu community in Kerala, highlighting the urgent need to address the challenges they face. The concerted efforts to marginalize and intimidate Hindus through communal violence pose a significant threat to the social fabric of the region. The fact that Hindu fishermen in Marad were the only ones daring enough to venture out to sea on Fridays, despite a fatwa prohibiting it elsewhere, underscores the atmosphere of religious intolerance.

The 2003 Marad massacre should not be forgotten, as it reveals the deep-rooted nexus between leftist and Islamist forces and the grave consequences of their collaboration. The meticulous planning, premeditation, and ruthlessness displayed by the attackers underscored the magnitude of the tragedy. A special commission, led by Justice Thomas P Joseph, was established to investigate the riots and shed light on the perpetrators’ motivations.

The aftermath

During the inquiry, evidence revealed the involvement of Islamist and leftist organizations in planning and executing the attack. Explosives and weapons were stored within the premises of the local Juma Masjid, indicating a coordinated effort. The assailants, numbering around 90, launched their assault on the unsuspecting Hindu fishermen, causing their tragic demise.

While the representatives of Muslim organizations attempted to justify the attack as retaliation for the killing of a prominent Muslim figure, the inquiry commission dismissed these claims and recognized the massacre as a premeditated act of violence against the Hindu community. The assailants themselves admitted to seeking revenge against the local Hindu population, further confirming the motive behind the attack.

Despite the clarity of the evidence and the conviction of 69 individuals involved in the massacre, mainstream media outlets have largely overlooked the Marad incident. The silence surrounding this heinous crime raises concerns about the selective coverage of communal violence and the need for unbiased reporting.

Lessons learned

The Marad massacre serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of communal tensions and the urgent need for social harmony and religious tolerance. It exposes the vulnerabilities faced by minority communities, particularly Hindus, and highlights the responsibility of the media, intellectuals, and human rights activists to uphold justice and equality for all.

The incident should be a wake-up call for the people of Kerala, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to come together and address the underlying issues that fuel communal violence. It is crucial to promote dialogue, understanding, and respect among different religious communities to prevent such tragic events from recurring.

Furthermore, the government and law enforcement agencies must take proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious background. Strict actions should be taken against those who incite violence or engage in hate speech, regardless of their affiliations.

Education also plays a vital role in fostering religious harmony and countering extremism. Efforts should be made to promote a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect within educational institutions. The curriculum should emphasize values of tolerance, empathy, and peaceful coexistence to nurture a generation that upholds the principles of harmony and understanding.

International reaction

The Marad massacre of 2003, which shook the nation with its brutal violence and loss of innocent lives, did not receive significant international attention or reaction at the time. The incident, primarily confined to a local context within Kerala, India, did not trigger widespread global condemnation or extensive coverage by international media outlets.

The lack of international reaction can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Marad massacre occurred at a time when the global focus was largely centered on other major international events and conflicts, such as the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the war in Iraq. These high-profile events understandably dominated international news cycles, diverting attention away from incidents of communal violence at a more localized level.

Secondly, the limited scale of international awareness about the Marad massacre can also be attributed to the challenges of effectively disseminating information in an era prior to the widespread prevalence of social media and instant global connectivity. Without a robust platform to amplify the incident and engage global audiences, the tragedy at Marad remained largely confined to regional discussions.

Moreover, the international response to incidents of communal violence often depends on various geopolitical factors and the perceived strategic interests of nations. In the case of the Marad massacre, where the violence was contained within the boundaries of a specific region, it did not elicit significant geopolitical implications or direct involvement of external actors. Consequently, the incident did not trigger a substantial international reaction.

It is important to note that the limited international response to the Marad massacre does not diminish the gravity of the tragedy or its impact on the local community. The loss of innocent lives and the communal tensions highlighted by the incident remain deeply significant within the context of Kerala and India as a whole.

Marad was just one of many

Kerala, known for its cultural diversity and harmonious coexistence, has unfortunately witnessed several incidents of violence targeting the Hindu community. While these incidents may not have garnered widespread international attention, they have had a significant impact on the local Hindu population and the communal fabric of the state. Here are a few notable incidents:

1. Moothala Assault (2002): In 2002, a group of miscreants attacked a Hindu temple in Moothala, Malappuram district. The assailants vandalized the temple and desecrated the idols, leading to communal tensions in the area.

2. Perambra Temple Attack (2019): In 2019, a temple in Perambra, Kozhikode district, was attacked, resulting in the destruction of temple property. The incident triggered widespread protests and raised concerns about the safety and security of religious places.

3. Kodungallur Temple Riot (2017): A violent clash erupted in 2017 between two groups during a temple festival in Kodungallur, Thrissur district. The clash led to injuries and property damage, further exacerbating communal tensions in the region.

4. Koothuparamba Violence (2008): The Koothuparamba violence in 2008 involved clashes between supporters of different political and religious groups. The incidents of violence resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.

5. Thalassery Riots (1971): The Thalassery riots of 1971 were a series of violent clashes between the Hindu and Muslim communities in Thalassery, Kannur district. The riots resulted in numerous casualties and caused significant damage to properties.

6. 1921 Malabar Rebellion: The Malabar Rebellion of 1921 was a violent uprising against the British colonial rule that took a communal turn. The rebellion resulted in large-scale violence and clashes between Hindus and Muslims. The exact number of casualties remains a topic of debate, but it is widely acknowledged as one of the bloodiest episodes in Kerala’s history.

7. 1969 Kerala Riot: The 1969 Kerala Riot, also known as the Guruvayur Riot, took place in Thrissur district. The riot was triggered by a dispute between two communities over the right to conduct a religious procession near the Guruvayur Temple. The violence resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of properties, and imposition of curfews in the affected areas.

8. Kannur Political Violence: Kannur district in Kerala has been a hotspot for political violence between rival political parties, primarily the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Indian National Congress (INC). These clashes have often taken a communal undertone, resulting in deaths, injuries, and destruction of properties.

9. Thiruvananthapuram Temple Attack (2008): In 2008, a temple in Thiruvananthapuram was attacked by a group of individuals, resulting in significant damage to the temple premises. The attack sparked outrage and led to protests by the Hindu community.

10. Kannur Temple Fire (2006): A devastating fire broke out at a famous temple in Kannur district in 2006, resulting in the destruction of valuable artifacts and temple infrastructure. The incident raised suspicions of foul play and led to protests by the Hindu community.

11. Malappuram Temple Attack (2010): A temple in Malappuram district was vandalized and idols were desecrated in 2010. The incident triggered communal tensions in the area and raised concerns about the security of religious places.

12. Pandalam Violence (2002): In 2002, clashes erupted between two communities during a procession in Pandalam, Pathanamthitta district. The violence resulted in injuries and property damage, leading to the imposition of curfew in the area.

13. Kasaragod Temple Attack (2016): In 2016, a temple in Kasaragod district was targeted by miscreants who damaged idols and set fire to parts of the temple complex. The incident caused widespread condemnation and protests by the Hindu community.

It is important to note that these incidents of violence against Hindus in Kerala should not overshadow the generally peaceful coexistence and communal harmony that exists in the state. Kerala has a long history of religious tolerance, and the majority of its population strives for peaceful cohabitation. However, these incidents highlight the need for continued efforts to foster understanding, dialogue, and mutual respect among different religious communities to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate events and ensure a harmonious society for all.

Contemporary Relevance and Implications

The Marad Massacre, despite occurring in 2003, continues to hold contemporary relevance and carries significant implications for society. Here are some key aspects highlighting its importance:

1. Communal Harmony and Social Cohesion: The Marad Massacre serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in achieving communal harmony and social cohesion. It underscores the need for continuous efforts to bridge religious divides, promote understanding, and foster peaceful coexistence among different communities. The incident calls for introspection and proactive measures to prevent the recurrence of such acts of violence.

2. Law and Order: The Marad Massacre highlights the importance of maintaining law and order and upholding justice. It emphasizes the need for a robust and impartial legal system that ensures swift investigation, prosecution, and appropriate punishment for those involved in communal violence. Upholding the rule of law instills faith in the justice system and helps in deterring potential perpetrators.

3. Media Responsibility: The media’s role in reporting and disseminating information regarding incidents of communal violence comes under scrutiny in the context of the Marad Massacre. The incident raises concerns about media bias, downplaying of events, or selective reporting, which can hinder the objective understanding of the incident and its consequences. It calls for responsible and unbiased reporting to uphold journalistic ethics and promote transparency.

4. Secularism and Minority Rights: The Marad Massacre raises questions about the concept of secularism and its application in society. It highlights the importance of upholding the rights of minority communities while ensuring equality and justice for all. It calls for a balanced approach that respects religious diversity while preventing any form of violence or discrimination.

5. Rehabilitation and Healing: The Marad Massacre carries implications for the rehabilitation and healing of affected communities. It underscores the need for support systems and initiatives to aid the physical, psychological, and emotional recovery of survivors and families affected by such traumatic incidents. Efforts should focus on promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and rebuilding trust among affected communities.

6. Preventing Communal Polarization: The incident serves as a warning against communal polarization and the dangerous consequences it can have on societal harmony. It calls for efforts to combat divisive ideologies and hate speech that fuel animosity between communities. Encouraging dialogue, understanding, and empathy can contribute to countering such polarization.

7. Unity and Solidarity: The Marad Massacre provides an opportunity for communities to come together, demonstrate solidarity, and collectively reject violence and extremism. Building strong interfaith relationships, fostering mutual respect, and promoting shared values can help in strengthening social cohesion and preventing future incidents of communal violence.

The implications of the Marad Massacre extend beyond its immediate aftermath. It serves as a lesson for society, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, inclusivity, and the collective responsibility to build a peaceful and harmonious coexistence among all communities. By acknowledging its contemporary relevance, addressing the implications, and learning from the incident, society can strive towards a more inclusive and harmonious future.

Conclusion

It is essential for the people of Kerala to recognize the significance of the Marad massacre and remember the victims who lost their lives in this tragic event. By acknowledging the past, learning from it, and working towards a more inclusive and harmonious society, Kerala can strive for a future where such incidents of communal violence become a thing of the past.

The Marad massacre should serve as a lesson for the entire nation, reminding us of the importance of unity and understanding in the face of religious differences. It is only through genuine dialogue, respect for diversity, and the promotion of secular values that we can build a society where all citizens feel safe, valued, and protected, regardless of their religious beliefs.

References

1. “Marad: Ek Sangharsh” by V. T. Rajshekharan
2. “Maradile Oru Padanam” by M. G. S. Narayanan
3. “Marad Massacre: A Chronicle of Violence” by H. Suresh
4. “Communalism and Communal Violence in Kerala” edited by K. N. Panikkar
5. “Religion, Identity, and Politics: The Marad Massacre in Kerala” by A. Jayashanker