Commissioner says ‘no’ new activity at Ayodhya disputed site on Diwali

LUCKNOW : The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas (RJN) were on Monday denied permission by divisional commissioner, Faizabad division, Manoj Mishra to light earthen ‘diyas’ on the Ram Janmabhoomi–Babri Masjid campus on Diwali.

Mishra, however, assured continuation of all vedic rituals that are followed there traditionally on the festival.

Mishra, who is also receiver (authorised person) of the disputed site, told a VHP and RJN delegation that no new activity could be allowed at the disputed site due to the Supreme Court’s directives.

“All rituals that are followed traditionally at the site will continue like previous years. But due to Supreme Court’s directives no new activity could be allowed at the site,” Mishra told the delegation.

It may be pointed out that Satyendra Das, head priest of Ram Janmabhoomi, has been performing puja at the site for the last 26 years.

“On every Diwali, 51 lamps are lit at the Ram Janmabhoomi and every ritual is performed. This year also I will perform all rituals on Diwali,” said Das.

Sharad Sharma, VHP’s regional spokesperson said:

“The commissioner has assured us to duly follow all traditional rituals at Lord Ram’s birth place on Diwali.” “We have also offered to assist the administration in case there is any shortage of funds for performing vedic rituals at the site,” added Sharma.

Earlier in the day, a VHP and RJN delegation met Mishra and handed over a memorandum seeking permission to light earthen ‘diyas’ on the premises of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid disputed site, on Diwali day on October 27.

The delegation was led by mahant Kamal Nayan Das.

“Diwali is observed across the world. Even in some Muslim countries Ramlila is performed. Then why in Ayodhya we cannot celebrate Diwali with full festive fervour at the Ram Janmabhoomi,” said mahant Kamal Das, who is heir to mahant Nritya Gopal Das, head of the RJN.

The RJN has been spearheading the Ram temple movement across the country.

Mahant Kanhaiya Das, head of the Ayodhya Sant Samiti, was also part of the delegation.

On the eve of Diwali, Ayodhya celebrates Deepotsav (on October 26 this year), a Yogi government initiated event. It is being celebrated every year after BJP formed government in the state in March 2017. On Sunday, Muslim litigant in the Ayodhya case Hazi Mehboob had opposed the VHP’s demand. Mehboob demanded permission to offer namaz at the disputed site if VHP was permitted to celebrate Diwali on the complex.

In view of ongoing Ayodhya title dispute in Supreme Court, whose verdict is expected by November 17, the district administration of Ayodhya has imposed section 144 in the temple town. District magistrate, Ayodhya, Anuj Kumar Jha, has imposed section 144 from October 12 till December 10.