Who Were Kothari Brothers? Kar Sevaks Shot Dead During Ram Mandir Movement In 1990

Kothari Brors: As much-anticipated Pran Pratishta ceremony that will mark inauguration of Ram Janambhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya draws closer, re are families for whom ocasion is very special.

Kothari family, hailing from Kolkata, waited for January 22, 2024, for over 30-years. two brors of family-- Ram and Shar (Kothari brors)-- were among first to hoist saffron flag on disputed Babri Mosque on October 30 1990.

Both of m were later killed in open firing by state police on November 2, 1990. claimed title of ‘martyrs’ for Ram Janambhoomi Mandir movement. 

ir sister, Purnima Kothari, has been invited to participate in Pran Pratishta cermony at Ayodhya Ram Mandir on January 22.

"This is first joy in last 33 years. We waited for 33 years after sacrifice of my brors, and we are very happy... I have not forgotten anything of what happened to my brors 33 years ago...Today we are able to see grand Ram Temple in front of our eyes. But at some time, we lost all hope we h... I thought I would never be able to witness it... I am happy and proud... sacrifice of my brors is getting its due respect today..." sister of Kothari Brors, Purnima Kothari said after receiving invitation for Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony.

Who were Kothari brors? 

Ram and Shar Kothari, aged 22 and 20, were residents of Kolkata and prominent members of Vishwa Hindu Parish (VHP). y both joined call by VHP for Karseva in Ayodhya.   

Kothari brors led about 60 Kar Sevaks to Ayodhya on October 22, 1990. VHP members marched towards dispute Babri Mosque land, donning saffron-coloured clos which re at back ‘Kafan (Shroud).' 

Both of m, on ir way to Ayodhya, was stopped in Banaras (now Varanasi). y took a taxi to Kolapur and from re, y walked 200km to reach Ayodhya on October 30. Later on November 2, n Mulayam Singh government directed Police forces to open fire on Kar Sevaks. During operation, both of m lost ir lives.

sister of Kothari brors, Purima said if y (UP Police) wanted to stop m, y could have fired at ir feet. "Why did y have to kill m?" she ded.