NEW DELHI: The Naib (deputy) Imam of the Jama Masjid in the Indian Capital, Syed Ahmad Buk hari, criticized the Federal Government for allowing the foundation laying ceremony of Shri Ram Temple at Ayodhya on a “disputed” piece of land.
Delivering the Friday Khutba (address) while leading the prayers here, Bukhari charged the government with “conniving” with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, a fundamentalist Hindu group, for pocketing the votes of the majority community in the ensuing general elections.
The foundation stone was laid Thursday amidst tight security. The temple Mosque in Ayodhya, which Hindus believe is the birth place of Rama, has raised much controversy leading to violent communal incidents recently.
The history of the disputed Babri Mosque dates back to the time of Babur, the first Moghul King, who the Hindus claim built it on an existing temple.
The Naib Imam said that it was for the first time in the history of Indian Democracy that” an elected government helped a particular group in its designs.”
He, however, expressed satisfaction over the peaceful atmosphere during the ceremony at Ayodhya.
He has appealed to the Muslims in the country to remain peaceful and not to fall prey to any provocation.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 17, 1989
