ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Pakistan condemned the construction of a temple at the site of the Babri mosque in the northern city of Ayodhya, which was torn down by a baying mob of Hindu bigots 30 years ago.
On December 6, 1992, a group of Hindu zealots razed the mosque on a “disputed” religious site in the state of Uttar Pradesh, triggering clashes with minority Muslims that left 2,000 people dead and plunged the country into a political crisis.
28 years later, in September 2020, the Supreme Court of India acquitted 32 people, including former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani, accused of criminal conspiracy and inciting a mob to tear down the mosque, citing a lack of evidence.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Office called out New Delhi for acquitting the suspects and supporting the construction of the Ram Temple, which has long fuelled Hindu-Muslim tension in India, on the site.
“Today marks the 30th anniversary of the demolition of the historic Babri Mosque in the Indian city of Ayodhya by Hindu zealots. The occasion is a sad reminder of the growing anti-Muslim frenzy in India ever since,” it said.
“We condemn the ongoing construction of a Hindu temple on the site of the demolished mosque, and the acquittal of the criminals responsible for its destruction.”
The statement demanded the Indian government ensure that Babri Mosque “is rebuilt on its original site” and the criminals responsible for its “destruction are awarded befitting punishment.”
In November 2019, the Supreme Court ruled the original site will be handed over to Hindus for the construction of the temple, and a “suitable plot” of land measuring five acres would be allotted to a government-owned Muslim body either by the central government or state of Uttar Pradesh, of which Ayodhya is a part, to construct a mosque.
The Foreign Office noted that Hindu supremacist groups in India were now demanding the conversion of some other mosques into temples, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.
“These demands might lead to more tragedies like that of the Babri Mosque,” it added.
“There is a persistent assault on the religious freedoms of the Indian Muslims. The ruling party in India continues to incite hysteria and hatred against Muslims.”
‘BLACK DAY’
On the occasion, India’s prominent Muslim leaders said December 6 will forever remain a “Black Day” for that nation’s democracy.
“6th December will forever remain a Black Day for Indian democracy. The desecration and demolition of #BabriMasjid is a symbol of injustice,” one of India’s leading Muslim politicians, Asaduddin Owaisi, wrote on Twitter.
“Those responsible for its destruction were never convicted. We will not forget it & we will ensure that future generations remember it too.”
6th December will forever remain a Black Day for Indian democracy. The desecration and demolition of #BabriMasjid is a symbol of injustice. Those responsible for its destruction were never convicted. We will not forget it & we will ensure that future generations remember it too pic.twitter.com/6T4LRRDmYf
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) December 6, 2022
Asma Zehra Tayeba, a women activist and member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board — an apex umbrella scholar body in India — tweeted: “Fall of Babri masjid and conditions of Muslims in last 30 [years] need introspection.”
#babrimasjid
We shall not forget. And We will remember this day.’Yaume Shahadat’.Masajid are centre markaz of Muslim community. Fall of Babri masjid and conditions of Muslims in last 30 yrs need introspection. Today is Yaume Ehtesaab also. We have to face Yaume Hashr… pic.twitter.com/8ITFO52IE6— Asma Zehra Tayeba Dr. (@AsmaZehradr) December 6, 2022
Security arrangements were tightened in the city of Ayodhya on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the demolition.
— With Anadolu Agency
