No Hindu-Muslim enmity in Ayodhya: Ram Mandir mahant

Politics over the Babri dispute, including the hate campaign by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), has only complicated a possible amicable solution, contends Mahant Satyendra Das of the makeshift Ram Mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya, saying there was no enmity here between the two communities over the issue.

He said the apex court’s verdict was likely to be in favour of constructing the Ram Mandir at the disputed site – where once stood the 16th century Babri Masjid that was demolished by Hindu fundamentalists in 1992 – as evidence “clearly showed” the existence of a temple at the spot in the past.

Satyendra Das said the court’s decision was expected soon, thus facilitating the construction of the “long-cherished” grand mandir at the birthplace of Lord Ram in a year’s time.

“The court’s decision is expected soon. All things are in place and all evidence has been presented by the Hindu side to prove that the Ram Mandir existed before it was demolished to build the Babri Masjid,” Das told IANS in an interview.

“On other hand, Muslims could not produce any evidence. They have sought time from the court till December for translation of some documents into English.

The VHP used the language that made Muslims sad, angry and distressed. Slogans like ‘Hindi Hindu Hindustan, Mullah Bhago Pakistan or ‘Jo kahega Babri, usko samjho akhri only worsened the matter – Mahant Satyendra Das

Chief priest of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir

So, the decision is expected early next year,” he said.

Citing good relations among people from both communities, he said they would sit together and try to find a solution in case the court’s decision was not acceptable to both sides. “We will find a solution through mutual understanding and talks, but no political party will be allowed to interfere as they have their political motives,” he said.

“The VHP used the language that made Muslims sad, angry and distressed. Slogans like ‘Hindi Hindu Hindustan, Mullah Bhago Pakistan (Hindi Hindu India, Muslims go to Pakistan) or ‘Jo kahega Babri, usko samjho akhri (Whoever says Babri will meet his end) only worsened the matter,” he said.

“There was not such feeling of hatred towards Muslims among local Hindus. Politicians from both sides abused each other. However, common people did not harbour any such hatred.

“I have been the priest of the temple for 26 years, even during the period of demolition. Despite the pressure from the government, I declined any kind of personal security. I never felt scared of Muslims. There is no feeling of enmity between the people over MandirMasjid issues,” he said.

Also, if they fight, it will have negative repercussions on tourism and business here, he added.