Mumbai, September 15: The Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi controversy verdict is finally expected to be delivered at the end of this month by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad court.
In 1992, after the demolition of Babri Masjid by Karsevaks, Mumbai was the worst affected as riots erupted that left nearly 900 dead and thousands injured. And as the verdict approaches, Mumbaikars want to play it safe.
Earlier this month, a group of Ulemas met Chief Minister Ashok Chavan to ask for strengthened security across the city fearing any untoward incident. Mahmood Dariyabadi, general secretary, All India Ulema Council, along with other community leaders, met the CM and expressed his concern. “We have decided that whatever is the court’s judgment, it will be acceptable to us. Our community members have been asked not to take law in their hands. Even if we are unhappy with the verdict, we will approach the higher court, but not come on the streets and create a situation where human life is endangered,” said Dariyabadi.
Live in peace
The community leaders are also holding meetings with the people and spreading the message. “We have decided to live in peace, but we don’t know about the others. They are not in a mood to accept the verdict,” said Dariyabadi. “They may have a pre-decided verdict in their mind, and would want everyone to follow the same.”
Even Raj Purohit, BJP’s newly elected president (Mumbai), believes that the Ulemas did a good job. “We believe in peace and harmony and whatever the judgment is, we will support it to maintain peace in the country. No one should fight over such issues,” said Purohit.
Whereas the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) doesn’t feel that the Ulemas should worry. Vageesh Saraswat, Vice President, MNS said, “Our party is a secular one, and I don’t think till the time MNS is in Mumbai, there is any need of a fear of any form of riot or violence. Things will be under control when the verdict comes is delivered.”
As for the Shiv Sena, spokesperson Shweta Parulekar, said, “We haven’t yet decided what our stand would be, but we would be taking a decision on it today.”
-Agencies