The much-awaited verdict on the Babri Masjid title dispute is set to be pronounced today. I appeal to my brethren from both communities to treat the verdict as just another judicial pronouncement. We want peace and we should ensure that we are not misled by a handful of leaders.
In the 63 years of independence, we have seen enough pogroms and violence to understand that they lead us nowhere. The Allahabad High Court judgment will surely not spell the end of the dispute, which is bound to be dragged to the Supreme Court. It takes more than a court judgment for issues involving mandirs and masjids to be resolved.
Md. Mobbashir Farid,
Gaya
People should be wary of leaders who are bent on creating disturbances. The judiciary has played an important role as the watchdog of our Constitution. Its role in upholding the rule of law, human rights and democratic values has been significant. We must accept its verdict with an open mind. The party in whose favour the verdict is pronounced should not celebrate as it can frustrate the loser. We should have the larger objective of peace and harmony in mind.
G. Md. Ashfaq,
Kurnool
That the government expects the fallout of the verdict to be violent is unfortunate. Does it really matter whether a temple or a mosque exists at the disputed site? Have we learnt nothing from the past on the importance of religious harmony? Why can't we have a temple and a mosque side by side?
Sarath S. Pillai,
New Delhi
Communal harmony is the touchstone of Hinduism and Islam. Common Hindus and Muslims know this. But not the politicians, who are to blame for the distrust between the two communities. A division between Hindus and Muslims benefits none. Their unity benefits all, more importantly the nation.
K. Pradeep,
Chennai
Although the verdict will most certainly be challenged in the Supreme Court, what is of immediate importance is the manner in which the country receives and accepts the High Court judgment. Religion has always been an emotional issue but it is time we realised that we are Indian citizens first.
Saurabh Kunwar,
Kharagpur
The most fitting tribute we can pay to Gandhiji before his 141st birth anniversary is to stay united. He laid down his life for the cause of Hindu-Muslim unity. It would be utterly meaningless to garland his statues on his birth and death anniversaries unless Indians stand as a single nation.
T. Sankaranarayanan,
Chennai
It is clear from the statement of VHP leaders Pravin Togadia and Giriraj Kishore — that they will not accept a verdict other than the one favouring the building of a grand Ram temple — that they are in no mood to accept the High Court verdict. These leaders do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the vast majority of Hindus. We should reject these bigots and, if necessary, start a movement to defeat their nefarious designs. They have done nothing to uplift their Hindu brethren. The restraint shown by Muslim leaders is truly commendable.
Raj Sabapathy,
Chennai
