NEW DELHI: The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Abdullah Bukhari, called recently for an immediate takeover of the disputed Ramjamambhoomi-Babri Masjid complex by the Center or handing over the site to the Army to put end to the construction work. The Shahi imam felt that stopping the construction work was top priority and until the Government resolved the imbroglio, the site must remain with the Center,
He added that this was the only way two assuage the hunt feelings of the Muslims who feel that the Government has not taken a firm stance on the issue.
The Imam was addressing a gathering of devout at the Jama Masjid after the prayers.
He spoke for about 30 minutes violence over the Ayodhya issue, Syed Bukhari even avoided blaming the BYP by name and {instead chose the more official position of declaring that the Uttar Pradesh Government will be held responsible for any un toward developments because it is allowing the construction work at the complex.
He criticized the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CPA) for not arriving at any firm decision despite meeting a length over the problem.
Both Advani and Vajpayee have gone on record that the temple work will begin at the disputed site itself It is up to the Center to take a firm stance against the UP Government. It seems that the Congress is silently supporting the BIP rule and not asking them to halt the construction, said Bukhari.
He warned the Prime Minister that any destruction of the Babri Masjid will lead or ever be rations in the Muslim community all very the world. If the issue is not dealt with soon, the BJP Government in UP will be possible if anything happens he added,
Bukhari urged all Muslim MPs to continue highlighting the problem The Imam also asked the secular forces led by V.P Singh and Chandra Shekhar to continue fighting for the Muslims.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 24, 1992
