1987 Meerut communal riots

The 1987 Meerut communal riots were a series of violent clashes that occurred between December 8 and December 16, 1987, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. The riots primarily involved Hindu and Muslim communities, leading to significant loss of life and property. Triggered by a dispute over the construction of a mosque and exacerbated by underlying socio-political tensions, the violence resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, with thousands more displaced. The conflict drew national attention and raised concerns about communal harmony in India. The government responded with curfews and increased police presence, but the aftermath saw lasting divisions and a re-evaluation of communal policies in the region.