Today in History: Mecca massacre of 1987

New Delhi: On July 31, 1987, Iranian Haj pilgrims and Saudi Arabian security forces clashed with each other in Mecca, triggering off a never ending conflict between the Shias and Sunnis in the Muslim world. Originally to have been a demonstration against the West for its support of Iraq during the 8 Year Iran-Iraq War, Saudi forces cordoned off the planned path of the demonstration, which led to a confrontation between the opposing sides.News cuttings of massacre incident from different news sources.The chaos was believed to have been started when Saudi bystanders attacked a flank of the march. A violent brawl emerged and Saudi forces opened fire.402 people lay dead, with 649 injured.The dead included 275 Iranians, 85 Saudis and 42 other pilgrims. The demonstration before it was cordoned off and attacked.Till this day, details remain unknown. Iranian officials maintain that the Saudis had opened fire on the Iranian pilgrims without provocation (and for sectarian reasons). Saudi officials claim they did not open fire.The whole incident was the result of long time tensions between Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia. Memorial and Tombs of Victims in Iran.Its consequences were found later too as after hearing reports of the deaths, Iranians rampaged in Teheran, attacking the Saudi and Kuwaiti Embassies there. The incident took place when Iranian pilgrims massed after midday prayers for a political demonstration, which is forbidden by the Saudi authorities. This incident had led to a breaking point in Shia and Sunni relations. Saudi officials stated later that Iranian pilgrims were carrying knives and other arms to harm the police officials but Iran later announced that there were bullet wound on the bodies of dead pilgrims.As a result of the incident Iran boycotted the Hajj for three years, from 1988 to 1990.But in 1991, Iran and Saudi Arabia renewed diplomatic relations after coming to an agreement to allow Iranian pilgrims to perform the Hajj once more. The total number of pilgrims was set at 115,000, and the demonstrations were allowed to be held, but only in one specific location granted by the Saudis.