Babri dispute: Mutual trust is the best way out

By Dr Mookhi Amir Ali,

Today’s newspapers have reported extensively on VHP’s Ashok Singhal’s recipe for Hindu-Muslim unity. The VHP leader has reportedly claimed that “VHP wants a permanent bond of love between Hindus and Muslims.” He suggests that the bugbears in the path of communal harmony are Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi, Mathura’s Krishna Janmabhoomi and the Kashi Vishwanath disputes. “Only withdrawals of claims by Muslims on these three places and handing them over to Hindus by law of parliament can ensure strength for real Hindu-Muslim unity.” One would ask, if it is so simple why aren’t Muslims over decades giving a serious thought to it?

It is not so simple. Ask any Muslim leader or activist why Muslims cannot consider giving away Babri Masjid instead of letting it be a cause for so much strife. The answer will be: it is not one Masjid they want. They have a list of 3000 structures, which they will raise once Muslims surrender Babri. “Not 3000, Sir. 30000,” another will add. Also it is the feeling among Muslims across the board that RSS and parivar are inimical to Muslims. The statements like the one Ashok Singhal made, if they come more frequently, may go a long way in building bridges between the communities. The Sangh parivar should convince by words and deeds that their hostility towards Muslims is imaginary and only a propaganda by the political parties.

I happened to meet VHP’s Ashok Chowghule. I asked him about the concerns of Muslims about VHP asking for 3000 to 30000 places of worship from them if they surrender Babri Masjid. Since this conversation took place in late 2002 or early 2003, I do not recollect the exact words but I am sure what Ashok Chowghule conveyed was that it is not true that the VHP wants anything more than these three places, and that if Muslims can consider lifting their claim on these three places they can talk with us and we will clear their doubts and allay their apprehensions. Now, does this not show a big communication gap or a misplaced mistrust?

Another display of mistrust between the two communities was visible today. In a talk show in a news channel on the subject of Babri Masjid Syed Shahabuddin stated that Muslims will abide by the court verdict and will withdraw if the judiciary gives a decision that a temple existed at the Babri site. When the programme anchor repeatedly asked one panelist from the Hindu group if Hindus give a similar commitment to abide by the judiciary’s decision, the answer was a question pointing towards Syed Shahabuddin “Can you trust him?”

Muslims are not sure that thousands of cases will not crop up if they negotiate in one case. Their sense of insecurity is all too visible. They are pinning their hopes on court verdict. Foolishly, one should say, when the BJP, VHP and others give no indication of intention to abide by the judiciary’s decision. The BJP’s vision document 2004 states, “In the matter of Ayodhya we are for a negotiated settlement in an atmosphere of mutual trust.” A very political way to suggest that the court verdict is not the end but the fresh beginning of Babri dispute. Muslim leaders are determined not to have any talks with Hindu groups until the court decision. Apparently they think they will talk from the position of strength then. Why does a brother want to talk with the brother from the position of strength? Not to agree for talks before court verdict, is fraught with risk of managment of Babri dispute going more into what Liberhan has called the “rabid elements” of Muslim leadership. Muslims must agree to enter into dialogue at an early date. And If the BJP and others have made up their minds that “the negotiated settlement in an atmosphere of mutual trust” is the best way, they should be pro-active in their efforts in creating that “atmosphere of mutual trust”.

Apparently UPA does not seem to be seeing any role for the Central government in resolving this epic wrangle. Indian National Congress by playing its dubious role or non-role in the dispute at different times has not done itself any credit. BJP’s Rajnath Singh’s plea to the UPA government to facilitate negotiations between the two communities made by him not too long ago has fallen on deaf ears. It is not for nothing that the Congress is said to be having a stake in a low intensity hostility between Hindus and Muslims. The party has hardly ever encouraged Muslims to have a fruitful dialogue with Hindu groups. Sonia Gandhi should correct the situation. The party’s active participation in resolution of Babri dispute will help in dispelling the impression that it has always exploited communal tension.