As one who has friends from religions other than my own, I found the arguments in the article “The demolition that rebuilt a community” (Dec. 6) quite unacceptable. Although it is true that both majority and minority communalism is a threat to India, Islamist fundamentalism contributed the lion’s share to the growth of Hindu fundamentalism in India.
As for 9/11 — the aftermath of which the author says united Muslims internationally — it had another effect too; it united the forces opposed to Muslims the world over.
R. Girish,
Kollam
Whether or not the Babri Masjid demolition brought about unity among Muslims, it caused disunity among Indians. The demolition took place at a time when the Congress government started unleashing its neo-liberal agenda on the country. It became easier for it to implement its economic policies thanks to weak resistance from a divided people. We need to have tolerance and respect for other faiths if peace and unity are to be established.
K. Narayana Rao,
Bangalore
December 6 is a grim reminder of brutal assault on the secular fabric and pluralistic character of India, when faith and religion were equated with nationalism to divide people. It kicked up a storm whose repercussions and ramifications continued to mark their presence in the form of riots in Gujarat and, more recently, in Assam and Mumbai. Many political careers have blossomed since then on the pedestal of caste, sect and religious bigotry.
We need to draw the right lesson from the Babri Masjid demolition and eliminate the forces that have become a severe impediment to nation-building. The forces instigating communal tension and violence need to be brought to book and a sense of justice must prevail to create an atmosphere of positive energy.
Kundan Kumar Singh,
Ranchi
It is true that the socio-economic condition of Muslims improved marginally after 1992. But they face another challenge today — many people equate terrorism with Muslims. Only when they overcome this will they feel that their lot has really improved. Even today, many of my classmates ask me,“Why are you Muslims like this?”
S.A. Saheerudeen,
Kilakarai
It is the cherished desire of many Hindus and Muslims to have a temple and a mosque at Ayodhya. Muslims should help their Hindu brethren build a temple and Hindus, their Muslim brethren to build a mosque next to the temple as a gesture of goodwill. There is no point in prolonging the issue indefinitely, with tension persisting on both sides. Leaders of both communities should work out a compromise formula.
K. Bala Sundram,
Dharmapuri
