NEW DELHI: The Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Abdullah Bukhari has urged the Muslims to be patient and not resort to violence in the race or damage to Babri Masjid in Ayodhya Dec.6
He made the appeal from the pulpit of the historic mosque after leading the “Maghrib” (sunset time) prayer Thousands of people had flocked to the mosque soon after they learned about the incident in Ayodhya. He began his unscheduled speech by saying “It is a major tragedy our hearts are broken.”
The Imam said Sunday’s developments at Ayodhya were tragic and painful. Blaming the Central government he said” The Muslims feel betrayed by the Prime Minister. All along we were given the impression that the mosque will not be touched. We were kept in the dark” Displaying his anger the Imam said the Center should have dismissed the UP government long ago. He had warned the government that it would be tragic if the structure at Ayodhya was damaged “But the Center has failed in its duty to protect the rights of the Muslims.” He however gave no indication that he would ask the government to step down.
The Imam felt the developments were pre-planned and the Center knew about it “The majority thinks storming the mosque was planned in advance and the Center probably knew about it.” But he added he had no evidence to confirm his statement.
He said some communal organizations are against Islam Muslims and other minority communities. “They think they are the rulers and intimidate the minorities. What they have done to us today is unbearable.
The Muslims have contributed a lot to this country he pointed out. “We have given this country a civilization a culture a language. We have taught this country manners and etiquette but what have we got in return?”
In an emotionally charged speech the Imam repeatedly appealed to Muslims to maintain amity. He said the Babri Masjid Action Committee which held an emergency meeting would take a decision soon He would consider the committees views before deciding on a plan of action.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 18, 1992
