UP CM Yogi Aditya Nath during election campaigning had recently claimed that several members of Congress’ president Mallikarjun Kharge had been wiped out by the Razakars.
Did you know who were the Razakars?
The Razakars according to documented sources, were a paramilitary organization that emerged in Hyderabad during the late 1940s, particularly in the context of the political turmoil surrounding the region’s integration into India. Here is a brief overview of their history:
Before independence in 1947, Hyderabad State was one of the largest princely states in India.
It was ruled by the Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Pasha. The region had a significant Muslim population, and the Nizam’s rule was characterized by a feudal system and relative autonomy from British India.
Following India’s independence in August 1947, princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent. The Nizam of Hyderabad initially opted to remain independent, leading to rising tensions.
Formation of Razakars:
In response to the growing pro-integration sentiment among the population and the Indian government’s pressure on Hyderabad to accede to India, the Nizam’s government formed the Razakars, led by Qasim Razvi, as a means to suppress opposition and maintain the ruling status of the Nizam.
The group aimed to protect the Nizam’s sovereignty and resist the integration of Hyderabad into India.
The Razakars were primarily composed of Muslims and were motivated by both religious and regional nationalism.
They perceived the potential loss of the Nizam’s rule as a threat to their political and social status.
Violence and Conflict:
The Razakars became notorious for their violent tactics, which included intimidation, attacking opponents, and suppressing dissent.
Their activities led to widespread unrest and violence, and they were implicated in numerous atrocities against those who opposed the Nizam’s rule.
The Integration of Hyderabad:
In September 1948, the Indian government launched a military operation known as “Operation Polo” to integrate Hyderabad into India. The Indian Army swiftly defeated the Razakars and the Nizam’s forces, leading to the surrender of Hyderabad on September 17, 1948.
Following the integration, the Razakar organization was disbanded, and many of its leaders were arrested or faced legal action. The Nizam’s rule was formally ended, and Hyderabad became a part of the Indian Union.
The history of the Razakars remains a contentious issue in Indian politics and history, with differing perspectives on their actions and the events surrounding Hyderabad’s integration.
Some view them as defenders of Muslim identity and regional autonomy, while others condemn their violent methods and ideology.
In summary, the Razakars were an important and controversial part of Hyderabad’s history during the late 1940s, closely tied to the region’s struggle over its future in post-colonial India.