By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,

Bhopal: The Social Democratic Party of India, (SDPI), has expressed serious concern over the deliberate attempts of the government and mainstream political parties to divert and sidestep the Babari Masjid issue.

SDPI General Secretary A. Sayeed in a statement has said that none of the pillars of Indian democracy has tried to uphold the truth and justice. It will be a grave mistake to consider ourselves as a largest democracy, when our watch dogs of the Indian Constitution are sound asleep. Babari Masjid is a case in point.

Sayeed said nobody denies the fact that the Muslims are one of the most disempowered, unorganized, powerless components of Indian population. Their issue remains unresolved for decades. Our ruling class when they themselves boast as champions of human rights at par with neighboring countries should not forget the case of Babari Masjid. Their double standard towards the cause of Muslims is evident from Babari issue.

He pointed out that the Babari Masjid was surreptitiously taken over by anti-social fascist elements 60 years ago; the state drew away Muslims from the near premises and left the Masjid to its fate in the hands of communalists. It was demolished by anti-constitutional forces 17 years ago.

“We don’t feel the ruling elite are genuinely interested in solving the issue. Feeling of deception and betrayal are deeply rooted in the Muslim mind, when the legislature and the executive are at each other collaborating on these sabotage. Judiciary stands indifferent. It seems like ethics of basic democracy are not functioning in the case of Muslims. Any serious thought on the future of nation should not pass without properly addressing the Babari issue”, the statement emphasized.

Seventeen years is not just a very long period in history where decades and centuries are decisive. “We witnessed a freedom struggle which was significant in its duration. The struggle for justice will continue as long as injustice prevails. An inter-religious solidarity in the struggle would be the best remedy for the wounded soul of India”, the statement concluded..(pervezbari@eth.net)