By TCN News,
New Delhi: On the occasion of 22nd anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition today, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has reiterated its resolve to continue, in cooperation with All India Muslim Personal Law Board, other human rights organisations and justice-loving people of all religions, to continue peaceful struggle for restoration and reconstruction of Babri Masjid.
At the monthly press conference here at its headquarters today, Jamaat leaders expressed hope the Muslim community would get justice in the Babri Masjid case which is now pending in the Supreme Court of India.
“6th December 1992 is one of the blackest days in the history of India. On that day a fatal assault was made on humanity, democracy, tolerance and religious freedom. This brutal move caused great mental agony to every peace-loving, human friendly upholder of freedom and rule of law, and our beloved country had to hang her head in shame,” JIH said in a press statement.
Jamaat termed it disturbing that perpetrators of the demolition are still walking free and they haven’t been arrested even for name’s sake.
“The saga of the last 22 years is no less miserable. Despite talking of democracy and rule of law, those responsible for Babri Masjid demolition are walking free even today. They were not arrested even for name’s sake; rather they have been deployed to government posts. This is highly shameful and disturbing. The Liberhan Commission presented a report after a long period of 17 years but no practical moves were made thereon. The legal process in court is also going on with a very slow pace,” they added.
When asked about the Babri Masjid case and apprehensions created in the wake of BJP coming to power at the centre, Nusrat Ali, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said, “The case is pending before the Supreme Court. We are hopeful that the verdict will come in our favour.”
Jamaat leader, however, refuted all possibilities for an out of court settlement over the case.
To another question about why Muslims expect favours from BJP government when they did not vote for it in the Lok Sabha polls, Jamaat leader said: “Everyone has right to protest in democracy. Whatever government is formed after election is for all, and not of a particular party.”
Secretaries of Jamaat Ejaz Ahmed Aslam and Mohammad Salim Engineer also addressed the press conference.
Jamaat leaders also condemned the burning of a Delhi church and ongoing hate campaign against minorities in different parts of the country and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in people who are making divisive statements.
“As regards the situation prevailing in the country, the Jamaat expresses its concern over the sharp increase in the incidents of communal conflicts. Now, besides Muslims, people belonging to other communities are also being targeted. The setting ablaze of a Christian church at Dilshad Garden in the capital is also there. Likewise, in many States in the country, an atmosphere of communal conflict is being created, just to reap political dividends. This is highly precarious for the future of the country. Many political leaders are making use of mean and dirty words and fanning hatred and violence. The Jamaat appeals to all peace-loving people of India not to pay attention to such voices and boycott those instigating violence. It also draws the attention of the government and the Prime Minister not only to control such persons but to take stringent measures against them as well so that the situation in the country might not get vitiated,” they said.
Jamaat leaders also participated and spoke in demonstrations at Jantar Mantar called to commodore the day.