PUCL Bulletin,
June2003
The
Babri site must be given up to the vast mass of Hindus, just on one condition,
that there will be no more Mandir-masjid controversies in India
- By J.S. Bandukwala, 26 Apr 2003
World politics will change drastically in the post Iraq phase. The role
of India could be greatly enhanced. Much depends on two factors: Kashmir
and the treatment of minorities. For Indian Muslims, this is a golden
opportunity. They must break out of the shackles of the past. By their
flexibility and maturity of response, Indian Muslims will do a great service
to India and also to the world of Islam.
It is widely recognised that Ayodhya is at an impasse. No judicial solution
is possible, even with excavations. There is only one solution, and that
lies through Muslim magnanimity in surrendering the Babri site. This does
not imply surrendering to the Sangh Parivar. Rather Muslims must be wise
enough to understand that they can never get RSS goodwill, for that body
is based on Muslim hate. Muslims must see beyond the saffron unit. There
are hundreds of millions of Hindus, who are decent and God fearing. We
must seek their goodwill. Our focus must move from the rabble rousing
Togadia, to the all-encompassing love of Gandhi. The Babri site must be
given up to this vast mass of Hindus, just on one condition, that there
will be no more Mandir-masjid controversies in India.
The last fifteen years have been the years of tears and sorrow, as over
ten thousand lost their lives, so Ram may have a temple at Ayodhya. Muslims
must bravely turn a new page, withdraw from this politics of religion,
and go totally for education, business and health. In so doing they will
send a very powerful message to Muslims everywhere. Human rights, concern
for the weak, science and compassion are very much Islamic traits.
We must move beyond Saddam and Osama, to our roots in the Prophet's life.
Sincerely Yours,