Assam Muslims to donate `5L for Mandir

In what has been seen as an attempt to strengthen communal harmony, 21 organisations representing indigenous Assamese Muslims have not only described the verdict on Ayodhya as historic but also decided to donate `5 Lakh to the trust that will oversee the construction of the Ram Mandir.

The organisations under the banner Jonogusthiya Somonnoy Parishad Asom (JSPA) said that the decision was an expression of solidarity of the indigenous Muslims to country’s unity and to “cherished aspiration” of Hindus to see the temple is constructed in Ayodhya.

JSPA chairman, Syed Muminul Aowal said that all the 21 organisations will raise the money and donate it once the trust is formed. “We are happy that the protracted dispute has been resolved through the historic judgement of the Supreme Court. We will donate `5 lakh because we also want to be part of this historic decision that will further strengthen the spirit of unity and harmony in the country,” Mr Aowal, who is also senior BJP spokesperson, said.

The 21 organisations represent Goria, Moria, Deshiya, Jalha, Maimal and Kachari Muslims, whose ancestries converted to Islam from different ethnic groups of the state.

On the other hand, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal said, “We respect the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Babri masjid dispute. Our appeal is that post-verdict, people of Assam and across the country keep peace and harmony intact.”