For Ayodhya, it’s time to forget the bitter past

LUCKNOW : Ayodhya is set to move beyond its bitter past after 28 years of demolition of the Babri mosque and four months after ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ for Ram temple at Ram Janmabhoomi .

Hindus and Muslims have decided to refrain from observing any event to mark the anniversary of Babri mosque demolition this year. In the past, Muslims of Ayodhya observed “Yaum-e-Gham” (day of sorrow) by displaying black flags and keeping their outlets closed.

A big congregation, including clerics from all over the state, used to assemble at Haji Mehboob’s residence at Tedi Bazaar to observe ‘Yaum-e-Gham’ or “Shahadat Diwas” on the day.

Haji Mehboob was one of the litigants in Ram temple–Babri Masjid title suit. A memorandum addressed to the President of India used to be handed over to city magistrate demanding restoration of Babri mosque.

On the other hand, saffron organisations led by Vishva Hindu Parishad used to observe the day as “Shaurya Diwas” (day of valour). However, after “Bhoomi Pujan” of Ram temple, which was presided over by PM Narendra Modi on August 5 last, the Muslims in the temple town decided to stop observing December 6 as ‘Yaum-e-Gham’.

“There will be no ‘Yaum-eGham’ this year. No black flags will be hoisted and Muslims will also open their establishments on December 6,” said Haji Mehboob. “Only recital of the Quran will be held in Tedi Bazaar mosque for those who were killed in violence on December 6, 1992,” he added. “We have decided to move ahead and convey a message to Muslims across the country to forget the past for a better future,” Mehboob said.

Iqbal Ansari, son of the late Hasim Ansari who was the original litigant in the Ram temple– Babri Masjid dispute, said: “Long ago, I had stopped observing “Yaum-e- Gham”. Now, after the Supreme Court’s order in favour of a temple , there is no point in observing the day as a day of sorrow for any Muslim.”

Similarly, Vishva Hindu Parishad and other saffron organisations have also decided not to observe “Shaurya Diwas” on December 6 from this year onwards. “When the Supreme Court has decided in favour of Ram temple, there is no point in observing “Shaurya Diwas”. Now, ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ has also taken place and foundation work is going on,” said Sharad Sharma, regional spokesperson of VHP, Ayodhya.

Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, successor designate of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das (chairman of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust), has issued an appeal to Hindus not to observe ‘Shaurya Diwas’ on Sunday.