'Respect SC in Babri issue, stay away from rumours'

Kolkata : Urging everyone to respect the Supreme Court regarding Ayodhya's Babri Masjid case, a section of Muslim leaders on Wednesday alleged that the issue was "being used for politics" and cautioned people to stay away from rumours and be on guard against attempts to divide Hindus and Muslims.

"The Babri Masjid issue flares up during elections every time, indicating that it is simply being used for politics. I request people of the nation to leave it for the Supreme Court to decide," Golam Rabbani, National President of All India Ulema Board, told a press meet on the eve of the 26th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition.

"India is a secular country and we have full faith in law. We must forget the past as fighting over the same thing will have a negative impact on the coming generations," he said.

Urging everyone not to believe in rumours, Rabbani said: "It is high time to learn from the past mistakes as the consequences are only faced by the commoners. Some people are trying to divide Hindus and Muslims, so everyone should use their brain.

"All those people, be they Muslims or Hindus, who are actually fighting over the place, are the ones who hardly visit a mosque or a temple," Moulana Meher Abbas Rizvi said.

Recalling December 6, 1992, the day the mosque was demolished, Sardar Kaljinder Singh said: "I remember how riots broke out in Bengal after the demolition, but what is the point fighting over a mosque or a temple when people of all religions are the same?"

Buddhist monk Arun Jyoti Bhikkhu pointed out that Ayodhya also belongs to Buddhists.

"There was a Pagoda on this place and even this case is going on in the Supreme Court. So I believe this place should be divided between people of all religion," Bhikkhu said.

"I strongly criticise the way Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and yoga guru Ramdev spoke on this issue. I want that the decision of the Supreme Court must be respected," Bhikkhu added.

Rabbani praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for maintaining secularism in the state.

"Chief Ministers from all states must learn from Mamata Banerjee as she maintains harmony in the state so well. For this I would like to see her as the next Prime Minister of India," he said.