He claims to have constructed or repaired 90 mosques across the country as part of his commitment to atonement.
Driven by intense hatred toward Muslims, Balbir Singh was among the Hindu extremists who dismantled the historic 16th-century Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, India, on December 6, 1992.
As the first to climb atop the central dome, wielding a hammer, he played a pivotal role in the destruction. Afterward, he took a brick from the ruins as a memento, symbolizing his animosity and contempt for Muslims.
However, the aftermath of the demolition led Singh, along with fellow kar sevak (Hindu volunteer) Yogendra Pal, to profound self-reflection. Six months later, they embraced Islam. Renamed Mohammed Amir, Singh has since dedicated his life to atoning for his actions. Over 28 years, he has built 90 mosques and remains steadfast in his vow to construct 100 as a form of penance.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Amir recounted how, decades ago, hatred had consumed him, fueling his eagerness to participate in the mosque's destruction.
“I had pledged to build the temple in the name of Lord Ram at the site of Babri Mosque. After realizing blunder, I pledged to wash my sins, by constructing 100 mosques," he said.
Inspired by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), patron of all Hindu radical outfits, Singh was a member of the political outfit Shiv Sena.
“I used to attend RSS drills and training programs regularly in the city of Panipat in the state of Haryana, adjoining national capital Delhi,” he said. India’s current ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is believed to be the political wing of the RSS.
Recalling his journey, Singh said that he went into self-examination, soon after the demolition. “I came in contact with Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui through Yogendra Pal. His behavior and way of understanding led me to soul-searching. On June 1, 1993, I embraced Islam,” he said.
Siddiqui, an Indian cleric, oversees an Islamic teaching center in Phulat village, situated in the Khatauli tehsil of Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh.
Balbir Singh, now known as Mohammed Amir, has relocated from Panipat to Hyderabad in southern India. Over the past 28 years, he claims to have constructed or repaired 90 mosques across the country as part of his commitment to atonement.
Singh was born into a Hindu Rajput family, considered an upper caste, in a small village near Panipat. His father, a school teacher, was deeply influenced by the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, India's iconic freedom leader renowned for his advocacy of nonviolence.
“My father was upset with the bloodshed and large-scale violence, soon after India’s independence and did his best to help the Muslims in the area. He had wished me and my brothers to follow his footsteps,” said Singh.
Singh's family moved from their village to the city of Panipat to pursue better educational opportunities. During this time, he became involved with drills conducted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later joined the Shiv Sena. Alongside his political activities, he also began working in his brother's loom business.
Balbir recalled the fateful day of December 6, 1992, when Hindu volunteers from all across India arrived and expressed fear that the government might send the army to defend the mosque.
“Our group from Panipat and the nearby city of Sonipat were the first, who charged towards the mosque using hammers and other tools to tear the dome down. After accomplishing the task, we were accorded hero’s welcome, when we returned to Panipat,” he recalled.
“I went into introspection. People thought I have lost mental balance. Finally, I decided to embrace Islam to give me peace of mind. Immediately, I started feeling better, “he said.
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