1967 Ranchi-Hatia Riots: How a Language Decision Ignited Deadly Violence in Bihar

• In 1967, Bihar's Ranchi-Hatia area witnessed seven days of horrific violence after the government decided to make Urdu the second official language.
• The decision sparked protests, leading to clashes between communities, stone-pelting, and rapid spread of rumors.
• Violence erupted on August 22, 1967, during a student procession, escalating rapidly with arson, looting, and widespread destruction.
• The Raghbar Dayal Commission's report highlighted administrative negligence, organized mobs, and rumors as key factors in the riot's escalation.
• Officially, 184 people died, with 164 Muslims and 19 Hindus, and 195 shops were burnt, marking a turning point in India's communal history.