Page 42 - Y Mind

The Last Call

XYZ

n the day of Babri Masjid Dem-

Oolition the whole of India was
burning with hatred in the name of

religion. It was 6 December in the
th
year 1992. The demolition of Babri

Masjid had led to nationwide clashes
between Hindus and Muslims.
Feroz and Yash were best friends.

Yash lived in the city of Lucknow.

Feroz lived in a place called Sultan
Muhalla on the outskirts of Lucknow.
In class 12 , both of them had scored
th
equal grades and were the toppers.
They loved each other more than

themselves. The whole city knew
about their friendship. But today the tied to their foreheads. Yash trembled

whole of Lucknow was burning. Fun- with fear when he heard ‘Jay Shri Ram’.
damentalist Hindu Karsevaks had Shankar was addressing the mob to pre-

burnt down the houses of Muslims, pare to attack Sultan Muhalla. As soon
looted and killed them. Their dead as Yash heard Sultan Muhalla, he re-

bodies were on the streets. membered Feroz. His fear increased even
That evening the sun was setting more. He secretly looked inside the living

slowly as if it was mourning for the room through the door, listening quiet-
many who had died. In the evening, ly and he heard Shankar addressing the
saffron sun rays had filled Yash’s mob, “there’s only one way to get rid of

house. He was in his room, breath- these Muslims…… burn them alive. So

less - listening to all the news on the first, 10 of us will burn down the paddy
radio. He was unable to believe the collections and vehicles around the Mu-
cruelty that was happening on the halla. Rest will see that whoever comes

streets. His father Shankar was in out of the house is chopped….. We’ll go
living room with a group of 25-30 in the night at 2:00 O’ clock.” And the slo-

hefty men, they all had saffron bands gans continued. Yash’s heart was beating

Young Minds 2020
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