NEW DELHI: A decision on the course of action on the BJP “RathYatra” will be taken after the all-party meet on communal amity, the Shia Imam of Jama Masjid announced at a press conference here.
The announcement followed a stormy meeting of Muslim leaders, most of whom favoured direct action to stop the “Rath Yatra” in Delhi itself: However, the Imam’s view prevailed and the decision was put off yet again.
As press reporters waited for the outcome of the meet at the Jama Masjid, furjous arguments could be heard within the conference room, The resolution read out to the leaders that another meeting be held on Friday to work out what action would be taken was met with loud objections from the majority of those present
A spokesperson of the Shahi Imam’s office later confirmed that the majority had preferred direct action but in the interests of preserving peace the resolution postponing 4 decision to Oct 19 was adopted, Since Diwali is on Thursday, keeping in view the sentiments of the Hindus, the meeting ‘would be held on Friday the Imam clarified.
A 13member committee was set up to finalize an all-party meet failed to come up to the expectations of the Muslim community.
Two other issues were decided at the meeting, the Imam disclosed a Masjid is Masjid only when there are no idols in it, “Masjid se murtian nikali jayengi” (idols will be removed from the masjid).
He also felt that status quo should be observed with regard to all religious places existing in 1947, What was a masjid then ‘would remain a masjid, a temple a temple, and a gurdwara 2 gurdwara.
Reacting to the BJP claim that whole scale shifting of masjids was not unknown in Islamic countries, he sorted. A masjid is masjid It cannot be shifted regardless of what is the practice in other countries.
He promised that if the ulemas agreed the Muslim community would make land s Ram temple in Avodnys secular, if there a available for itself if the country is secular if there are any noble hearted Hindus left then no one should talk of shifting the masjid, he observed.
The Imam warned against taking the patience of this community as 8 sign of weakness. The BJP, Bajrang Dal and VHP are demonstrating their strength. We don’t want to make counterdemonstrations in the interests of peace but we are being provoked.
The Muslim MP, Sultan Salahudin Owaisi, told reporters that the Prime Minister had given an assurance that the Babri Masjid would not be touched. “Whatever you call the Rath Yatra, its sole purpose is to demolish the Babri Masjid,” he pointed out.
The Muslim leaders were not specific on the question of accepting a court ruling on the issue. They kept their options open, saying “We have a right to appeal to a higher court.”
Article extracted from this publication >> October 19, 1990
