* {{cite news | author = Praveen Swami | url = http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?265400 | title = The Rise of Hindutva Terrorism | publisher = outlookindia.com | date = 11 May 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140305095733/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?265400 | archive-date = 5 March 2014 | url-status = dead | author-link = Praveen Swami }}
* {{cite news | author = Praveen Swami | url = http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?265400 | title = The Rise of Hindutva Terrorism | publisher = outlookindia.com | date = 11 May 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140305095733/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?265400 | archive-date = 5 March 2014 | url-status = dead | author-link = Praveen Swami }}
* {{cite book |last1=Andersen |first1=Walter K. |title=The brotherhood in saffron : the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu revivalism |date=2019 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |location=Noida, Uttar Pradesh |isbn=9789353055318}}
* {{cite book |last1=Andersen |first1=Walter K. |title=The brotherhood in saffron : the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu revivalism |date=2019 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |location=Noida, Uttar Pradesh |isbn=9789353055318}}
{{Hindu Nationalism}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Saffron terror}}
[[Category:Political neologisms]]
[[Category:Nationalist terrorism]]
[[Category:Propaganda in India]]
[[Category:Hinduism-motivated violence in India]]
[[Category:Far-right politics in India]]
[[Category:Religious terrorism]]
[[Category:Hinduism-related controversies]]
[[Category:Militant Hindu groups]]
[[Category:Religious extremism]]
== Term usage ==
The first known use of the term "Saffron Terror" is from a 2002 article in ''[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]''.<ref>{{cite news |first=Praveen |last=Swami |author-link=Praveen Swami|title=Saffron Terror |newspaper=Frontline |date=16 March 2002 |url=http://www.frontline.in/navigation/?type=static&page=flonnet&rdurl=fl1906/19060080.htm |access-date=2014-12-10}}</ref> However, it was in the aftermath of 29 September 2008 bomb blast in the predominantly Muslim town of [[Malegaon]] in Maharashtra that it came to be used widely.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2523/stories/20081121252310100.htm |first=Praful | last=Bidwai | title = Saffron Terror | publisher = Frontline |date=8 November 2008 |access-date=26 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Not terrified of terrorism|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/142835/Not-terrified-of-terrorism.html|work=dailypioneer.com}}</ref><ref name="anger">{{cite web|title=Muslim Anger Vs Hindu Anger, International Terrorism Monitor – Paper No. 466|url=http://ramansterrorismanalysis.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/muslim-anger-vs-hindu-anger.html|access-date=2014-11-17}}</ref><ref name="ripoff">{{cite web|title=Rip off 'secular' media's mask|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/136393/Rip-off-secular-medias-mask.html|work=dailypioneer.com}}</ref><ref name="vital">{{cite web|date=30 October 2008|title=Malegaon blasts arrests vital in exposing Hindu terrorism|url=http://zeenews.india.com/home/malegaon-blasts-arrests-vital-in-exposing-hindu-terrorism_479823.html|access-date=2014-11-17|publisher=ZeeNews.com}}</ref>
In late 2008, Indian police arrested members of a Hindu cell allegedly involved in the [[29 September 2008 western India bombings#Malegaon blasts|Malegaon blasts]]. Former Home Minister of India [[P. Chidambaram]] 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 |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> Since making that remark, a Hindu [[swami]] in the [[Patan district]] has filed a [[defamation]] 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 = Press Trust of India | newspaper = [[Daily News and Analysis]] | date = 30 August 2010 | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_defamation-suit-against-p-chidambaram-for-saffron-terror-remark_1431142 | access-date = 30 August 2010| author-link = Press Trust of India }}</ref> On 6 September 2010, a [[Gujarat]] 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 = [[Hindustan Times]] | date = 6 September 2010 | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/Court-orders-probe-into-PC-s-saffron-terror-remarks/Article1-596703.aspx | access-date = 8 September 2010}}</ref> Chidambaram was also criticised by members of his own party (the [[Indian National Congress]]) for the use of the term, with Congress spokesman [[Janardhan Dwivedi]] 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 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121105085941/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-28/india/28321710_1_saffron-terror-colour-saffron-terror-strikes | url-status = dead | archive-date = 5 November 2012 | title = Congress ticks off Chidambaram over 'saffron terror' remark | date = 28 August 2010 | work = [[The Times of India]] | access-date = 10 October 2010}}</ref>
The saffron colour appears in the party flags of various national parties of India like the [[Indian National Congress]] and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP).<ref name="Party1">{{cite web | title = Article II-A Party Flag | url=http://www.aicc.org.in/Constitution%20FINAL%2012.6.08.pdf | access-date = 21 March 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Party2">{{cite web| title=Article II-A Party Flag |url=http://bjpkarnataka.org/downloads/bjp-logo-and-flags |access-date=21 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315105709/http://bjpkarnataka.org/downloads/bjp-logo-and-flags/ |archive-date=15 March 2013 }}</ref> A saffron-coloured flag is commonly seen in most temples in India. [[Buddhist monk]]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 | access-date = 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 [[terrorism]].<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 |access-date=21 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055953/http://social.ndtv.com/wethepeople/permalink/20556 |archive-date=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 | access-date = 21 March 2013 }}</ref> Saffron is the colour of the upper band of the [[flag of India|Indian national flag]]. [[Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan]], 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 of the term ==
The term "saffron terror" has been called a "myth" by the journalist and BJP leader [[Balbir Punj]], who claims that it is an invention of the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] party to demonise their political opposition as "terrorists".<ref>[http://www.dailypioneer.com/142835/Not-terrified-of-terrorism.html "Not terrified of terrorism"], ''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>[http://www.dailypioneer.com/136393/Rip-off-secular-medias-mask.html "Rip off 'secular' media's mask"], ''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> [[Kanchan Gupta]] and [[Swapan Dasgupta]] 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 = Kanchan Gupta | date = 18 July 2010 | work = [[The Pioneer (India)|The Pioneer]] | access-date = 2014-11-17| author-link = Kanchan Gupta }}</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 = Swapan Dasgupta | date = 7 August 2010 | work = [[Tehelka]] | access-date = 30 July 2010| author-link = Swapan Dasgupta }}</ref> Raman accused the media of measuring Muslim and Hindu suspects by different yardsticks.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-why-politicising-the-malegaon-case-is-dangerous-raman/20111117.htm Why politicising the Malegaon case is dangerous] Rediff — 17 November 2011</ref>
The [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]'s (BJP) president, [[Rajnath Singh]], spoke of a "political conspiracy" aimed at the "vilification of [[Hindu saints]] 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 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130126145520/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-19/subverse/27941797_1_hindu-terror-hindu-terrorism-saffron-terror | url-status = dead | archive-date = 26 January 2013 | title = SUBVERSE | Unholy terrors | author = Jug Suraiya | date = 18 November 2008 | work = [[The Times of India]] | access-date = 24 June 2010}}</ref> The term "saffron terror" was prominently used by some Congress party members in this campaign, most prominently by [[Digvijaya Singh]].<ref>Copy of diplomatic cable dated 23 December 2008 (10 December 2010). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/184566 "US Embassy Cables: Mumbai Conspiracy Allegations 'Outrageous' – US Ambassador"]. ''[[The Guardian]]''. 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 |access-date=15 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223024332/http://dailypioneer.com/305049/Offence-is-Cong%E2%80%99s-defence.html |archive-date=23 December 2010 }}</ref> The BJP criticised these statements and filed a complaint with the [[Election Commission of India]], 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 | access-date = 10 October 2010}}</ref> The Hindu spiritual leader [[Sri Sri Ravi Shankar]] 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 = [[The Indian Express]] | access-date = 24 March 2011}}</ref>
R.V.S. Mani, a former officer in the Home Ministry, published a book ''Hindu Terror: Insider Account of Ministry of Home Affairs'' in 2018, alleging that the UPA government had forced Home Ministry officials to "manufacture" a false narrative about the presence of "Hindu terror".<ref>{{cite web |title=Book by MHA officer reveals how UPA manufactured Hindu terror narrative |url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/culture/book-mha-officer-reveals-upa-manufactured-hindu-terror-narrative |website=The Sunday Guardian Live |access-date=9 June 2018 |date=2 June 2018}}</ref>
== Incidents ==
Hindu extremist organisations have allegedly carried out terrorist attacks like [[2006 Malegaon blasts]], [[Mecca Masjid bombing]] ([[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]]), [[Samjhauta Express bombings]] and the [[Ajmer sharif dargah blast]].
=== 1999 killing of Graham Staines ===
The killing of [[Graham Staines]] has been cited as example of Saffron terror.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Saffron terror|author=PRAFUL BIDWAI|url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2523/stories/20081121252310100.htm|magazine=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]}}</ref> Staines, a Christian missionary, and his two sons were burned to death in January 1999. In 2003, a [[Bajrang Dal]] activist, [[Dara Singh (Hindu nationalist)|Dara Singh]], was convicted of leading the gang that murdered Graham Staines and his sons, and was sentenced to life in prison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Two-acquitted-in-Graham-Staines-murder-case/articleshow/31087879.cms |title=Two acquitted in Graham Staines murder case |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=2015-04-16}}</ref>
=== 2002 Gujarat riots ===
{{Main|2002 Gujarat riots|Godhra train burning}}
The 2002 communal riots in [[Gujarat]], where the majority of victims were Muslims, are attributed largely to "foot soldiers" of the [[Hindutva]] 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|first1=Helmut K.|last1=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 [[Samjhauta Express]] 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 |access-date=11 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602173937/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/NewsMartImportedStories/66-die-in-terror-attack-on-Samjhauta-Express/Article1-206617.aspx |archive-date=2 June 2013}}</ref> It has been allegedly linked to [[Abhinav Bharat]], 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 |access-date=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 news|author=Agencies |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/purohit-supplied-rdx-for-samjhauta-bomb-ats/386143/ |title=Purohit supplied RDX for Samjhauta bomb: ATS |newspaper=Express India |access-date=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 |access-date=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 |access-date=9 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515050930/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/I-infiltrated-Abhinav-Bharat-Purohit/Article1-881014.aspx |archive-date=15 May 2013}}</ref> On 8 January 2011, [[Swami Aseemanand]], a [[pracharak]] of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928172014/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-08/india/28376204_1_aseemanand-naba-kumar-sarkar-bomb-for-bomb-plan |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2011 |title=Aseemanand owns up to strike on Mecca Masjid|date=8 January 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928114219/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-10/india/28378569_1_nia-court-samjhauta-express-blasts-blasts-case |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=Swami Aseemanand 'confessed' under duress: Counsel|access-date=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|access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref>
There have also been allegations that [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] 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 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> The United States declared Arif Qasmani, a Pakistani national and alleged 'LeT financier', to be the chief coordinator of the [[2006 Mumbai train bombings|2006 train bombing in Mumbai]] 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 |access-date=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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811144133/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-11/india/29531592_1_qaida-al-qaida-arif-qasmani |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 August 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=LeT trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction with help from Qaida|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 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref>
=== 2007 Ajmer Dargah attack ===
{{Main|Ajmer Dargah attack}}
The Ajmer Dargah blast occurred on 11 October 2007, outside the [[Dargah]] (shrine) of [[Sufi]] saint [[Moinuddin Chishti]] in [[Ajmer]], Rajasthan, allegedly by the [[Hindutva]] organisation [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104110933/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-09/india/28361088_1_rss-leader-indresh-kumar-swami-aseemanand-naba-kumar-sarkar|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 November 2012|title=Co-conspirators saw RSS man as ISI mole|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=9 January 2011|access-date=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=[[The Indian Express]]|date=1 November 2010|access-date=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 [[Mohan Bhagwat]] 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 [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Home Minister]] [[Sushilkumar Shinde]] 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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927121847/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ajmer-blast-accused-claims-shinde-forced-him-to-name-rss-chief-bhagwat/424426-3-239.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-09-27|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 [[Gujarat]] and [[Maharashtra]] 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 |access-date=9 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105035105/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/newdelhi/arrests-of-hindu-terrorists-embarasses-bjp/article1-347669.aspx |archive-date=5 January 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-25/india/27909361_1_maharashtra-s-anti-terrorism-squad-ats-abvp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104120056/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-25/india/27909361_1_maharashtra-s-anti-terrorism-squad-ats-abvp |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2012 |title=Sadhvi in jail for Malegaon blast|date=25 October 2008 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=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 [[Nashik]], which remanded them to custody till 3 November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102561761400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026033900/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102561761400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 October 2008 |title=Front Page : Malegaon blast; three remanded to custody |date=25 October 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> On 28 October, the [[Shiv Sena]], came out in support of the accused saying that the arrests were merely political in nature. Lending credence to this, the party chief, [[Uddhav Thackeray]], pointed out a potential [[conflict of interest]] in political rivalry as the [[Nationalist Congress Party]] (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 |access-date=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>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sadhvi-pragyas-freedom-now-depends-on-hc-ruling/articleshow/56945065.cms Sadhvi Pragya's freedom now depends on HC ruling]</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 |access-date=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 [[Students Islamic Movement of India]] (SIMI) and Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence activities in India|Inter-Services Intelligence]], which could embarrass some quarters.<ref>{{cite news|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' |newspaper=Express India |access-date=2014-11-17}}</ref>
=== 2007 Mecca Masjid bombing ===
{{Main|Mecca Masjid bombing}}
The Mecca Masjid bombing occurred on 18 May 2007 inside the [[Mecca Masjid]], a mosque in [[Hyderabad]]. Fourteen people were reported dead in the immediate aftermath.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/homepage/homedetails.asp#Killer|title=Homepage|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> The [[National Investigation Agency]],<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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511141753/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-29/india/30454293_1_special-nia-court-swami-aseemanand-samjhauta-blast-case |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-05-11 |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=HC notice to NIA on Aseemanand petition}}</ref> [[Central Bureau of Investigation]]<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 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> and [[Anti Terrorist Squad (India)]]<ref>{{cite web| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-27/jaipur/28225231_1_rajasthan-ats-dargah-blast-indresh-kumar | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927050440/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-27/jaipur/28225231_1_rajasthan-ats-dargah-blast-indresh-kumar | url-status=dead | archive-date=2012-09-27 | work=[[The Times of India]] |title=ATS may grill Aseemanand before tackling Indresh}}</ref> questioned former members of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]]<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 |access-date=9 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214141646/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mosque-blast-RSS-man-grilled/H1-Article1-641887.aspx |archive-date=14 February 2011}}</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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907094953/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-24/india/28222720_1_rss-leader-indresh-kumar-ajmer-blast |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 September 2011 |title=RSS leader grilled for Hindu terror|date=24 December 2010 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> On 19 November 2010, the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] produced [[Swami Aseemanand]] 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>[http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5092856&page=2 Swami Aseemanand takes back confession, says he was "coerced"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403035315/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5092856&page=2 |date=3 April 2011 }} 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, [[Yasin Bhatkal]] confessed that [[Indian Mujahideen]] had bombed two other places in [[Hyderabad]] 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 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> the [[Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses]],<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 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> the [[National Counter Terrorism Centre]]<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 |access-date=9 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831011624/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Huji-not-Hindu-group-behind-Makkah-Masjid-blast/Article1-603896.aspx |archive-date=31 August 2011}}</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 |access-date=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 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> reported that [[Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami]] 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 |access-date=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 |access-date=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 |access-date=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 |access-date=11 March 2013}}</ref>
The NIA began the probe in April 2011 after the initial investigations by the local police and the chargesheet filed by the CBI. 226 witnesses were examined during the trial and about 411 documents exhibited. The verdict was pronounced by a special NIA court acquitting all the accused due to lack of evidence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/mecca-masjid-blast-case-verdict-live-updates|title=Aseemanand, All Others Acquitted in 2007 Mecca Masjid Blast Case|work=The Quint|access-date=2018-04-16}}</ref>
=== Other allegations ===
Members of [[Abhinav Bharat]] have been alleged to have been involved in a plot to kill [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] President [[Mohan Bhagwat]],<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 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110811080415/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-06-28/india/28315703_1_malegaon-blast-case-mohan-bhagwat-bhagwat-and-one | url-status = dead | archive-date = 11 August 2011 | title = Did Abhinav Bharat plan to kill RSS chief? | date = 28 June 2010 | work = [[The Times of India]] | access-date = 10 October 2010}}</ref><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 | access-date = 12 October 2010 | location = Mumbai}}</ref> [[Headlines Today]] released a recorded video tested by the [[Central Forensic Science Laboratory]] which indicated the uncovering of an alleged plot to assassinate the [[Vice-President of India]] [[Hamid Ansari]].<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 | access-date = 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 [[Abhinav Bharat]] 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 |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>
The Indian [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Home Secretary]] [[Raj Kumar Singh]] 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|access-date=22 January 2013|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>
According to released documents by [[WikiLeaks]], 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 [[Lashkar-e-Toiba|Lashkar-e-Tayiba]].<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 |work=Rediff.com |date=21 December 2010 |access-date=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? |work=South Asia Mail|access-date=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 |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>
This article's lead sectionmay be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article.(November 2021)
Saffron terror is a neologism that has been used by some Indian politicians and journalists to describe acts of violence motivated by Hindutva. The term comes from the symbolic use of the saffron colour by many Hindu nationalist organisations.[1][2][3][4]
Several analysts and commentators have said that the term was being used as a smear tactic against the political opponents of Indian National Congress, in the aftermath of attacks in 2007 and 2008 which targeted Pakistanis and Muslims. Members, or alleged members, of Hindu nationalist organisations like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or Abhinav Bharat have been implicated in such events.[5][6][7]
The term "saffron terror" was used as early as 2002.[8] It gained popularity in the aftermath of the 2007–2008 attacks which targeted Pakistanis and Muslims and were allegedly instigated by members or alleged members of Hindu nationalist organisations like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Abhinav Bharat.[9][6][10]
The saffron colour appears in the party flags of various national parties of India like the Indian National Congress (Congress) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[11][12] A saffron-coloured flag is commonly seen in most temples in India. Buddhist monks typically wear saffron robes as a symbol of wisdom.[13] 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 terrorism.[14][15][note 1]
According to the journalist and BJP leader Balbir Punj, the term "saffron terror" was invented and used by the Congress party in the aftermath of the 2007–2008 incidents (see below) in order to denounce the party's political opposition as "terrorists".[17] In an analysis of the security situation during this period, B. Raman referred to acts of alleged reprisal terrorism by Hindus, criticizing "politicisation and communalisation of the investigative process" as leading to a "paralysis of the investigation machinery."[18]Kanchan Gupta and Swapan Dasgupta have said that investigators were using the term "saffron terror" in their statements to the media to promote the agenda of the Congress.[19]
In 2008, Rajnath Singh, the then president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP), spoke of a "political conspiracy" aimed at the "vilification of Hindu saints and army officers in the name of Hindu terrorism".[20] The term "saffron terror" was prominently used by some Congress party members in this campaign, most prominently by Digvijaya Singh.[21][22] The BJP criticised these statements and filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India, 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.[23]
Former Home Minister of India P. Chidambaram urged Indians to beware of "Saffron terror" in August 2010 at a meeting of state police chiefs in New Delhi.[24] Since making that remark, a Hindu swami in the Patan district has filed a defamation 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.[25] On 6 September 2010, a Gujarat court ordered a probe into the use of the term by Chidambaram.[26] Chidambaram was also criticised by members of his own party (the Indian National Congress) for the use of the term, with Congress spokesman Janardhan Dwivedi claiming "terrorism does not have any colour other than black."[27]
In the 2018 book Hindu Terror: Insider Account of Ministry of Home Affairs, R.V.S. Mani, a former officer in the Home Ministry, alleged that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had forced Home Ministry officials to manufacture a narrative about the presence of "Hindu terror".[28]
Twin blasts shook two coaches of the Samjhauta Express around midnight on 18 February 2007. Sixty-eight people were killed in the ensuing fire and dozens were injured.[29] It has been linked to Abhinav Bharat, a Hindu fundamentalist group.[30] 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.[31] 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 tasked with gathering intelligence inputs by infiltrating extremist organisations.[32][33] On 8 January 2011, Swami Aseemanand, a pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), confessed that he was involved in the bombing of Samjhauta Express,[34] a statement he later claimed to have made under duress.[35][36]
There have also been allegations that Lashkar-e-Taiba was responsible for the bombings.[37] The United States declared Arif Qasmani, a Pakistani national and alleged 'LeT financier', to be the chief coordinator of the 2006 train bombing in Mumbai as well as the 2007 Samjhauta Express bombings, and labelled him an international terrorist via the United Nations.[38][39][40]
The Ajmer Dargah blast occurred on 11 October 2007, outside the Dargah (shrine) of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Rajasthan, allegedly by the Hindutva organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its groups.[41][42][43] On 22 October 2010, five accused perpetrators, of which four said to belong to the RSS, were arrested in connection with the blast.[44][45] Swami Aseemanand, in his confession, implicated the then General Secretary Mohan Bhagwat for ordering the terrorist strike.[46] Bhavesh Patel, another accused in the bombings, has corroborated these statements but later claimed that the Home MinisterSushilkumar Shinde and some other Congress leaders forced him to implicate the RSS leaders.[47]
On 29 September 2008, three bombs exploded in the States of Gujarat and Maharashtra 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,[48][49] Shiv Narayan Gopal Singh Kalsanghra and Shyam Bhawarlal Sahu. All three were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Nashik, which remanded them to custody till 3 November.[50] On 28 October, the Shiv Sena, came out in support of the accused saying that the arrests were merely political in nature. Lending credence to this, the party chief, Uddhav Thackeray, pointed out a potential conflict of interest in political rivalry as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) controlled the relevant ministry.[51] 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.[52][53] following which Bombay High Court granted bail to Pragya Thakur on 22 April 2017.[54][55]
The Army officer Prasad Shrikant Purohit was also accused of being involved in the blast.[56] 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 Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, which could embarrass some quarters.[57]
Reportedly, the term "saffron terror" was used to describe this event in mainstream Indian media.[58]
The Indian Home SecretaryR. K. Singh 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.[63]
According to released documents by WikiLeaks, Congress(I) party's general secretary Rahul Gandhi remarked to US Ambassador Tim 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 Lashkar-e-Taiba.[64] 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.[65][66]
↑Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, 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."[16]
↑ 6.06.1Christophe Jaffrelot (29 January 2009). "A running thread of deep saffron". The Indian Express. Retrieved 17 November 2014. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "deepsaffron" defined multiple times with different content
↑Praveen Swami (16 March 2002). "Saffron Terror". Frontline. Archived from the original on 21 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 20 November 2021 suggested (help)
↑"Lt Colonel Purohit: Did the Army sell short an effective officer?". NDTV.com. 30 June 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013. 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.
↑ramesh (9 January 2011). "Curious case of Qasmani, who US, UN named in bombing". The Indian Express. Retrieved 9 March 2013. "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.
Andersen, Walter K. (2019). The brotherhood in saffron : the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu revivalism. Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN9789353055318.
