Unlike previous years, the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition on December 6 will be different in Ayodhya this year, mainly for two reasons: The Supreme Court has taken up the case for hearing and Uttar Pradesh, after 17 years, is ruled by a BJP government with a huge majority under Hindutva mascot Yogi Adityanath.
The apex court is taking up the case seven years after the Allahabad High Court delivered its verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute in 2010. The top court has decided to commence the final hearing from February 8, 2018.
Hindus, especially those from the saffron camp, are elated over the fact that both the Centre and the state are ruled by the governments of BJP, a party which strongly advocates construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Their enthusiasm is palpable. The saffron brigade has grand plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Babri demolition on December 6, the day which it terms as ‘Shaurya Diwas’(day of valour). The VHP, Bajrang Dal and other allied bodies have urged locals of Ayodhya to light up not only their homes but all the major temples in the town with ‘Diyas’(earthen lamps). Thy have also planned a ‘Mashal Joloos’ (torch procession).
VHP spokesperson Sharad Sharma told THE WEEK, “This time it is a different scenario; Wednesday will be celebrated in a grand way with ample scintilla. There will be a meeting of seers at Karsevakpuram (VHP headquarters in Ayodhya) among other activities.”
Bajrang Dal national convenor Manoj Verma said: “We will take out a torch procession in entire Ayodhya and there will be meetings at many places to celebrate the occasion. Surely, this December 6 will be a different day for residents of Ayodhya.”
Muslims observe December 6 as Yaum-e-Gham (day of sorrow). Muslim outfits have plans to gather at the house of Iqbal Ansari, the son of the oldest litigant in the disputed case, Hashim Ansari, to take stock of the legal situation. Haji Mehboob Ali, a Muslim leader, said, “We observe it as a black day. Men from our community will tie black ribbon and will assemble at my place to mark the occasion.”
Meanwhile, there is a stoic clam in this sacred city. All activities are going on at its usual pace. Locals are not much bothered about the hype being created by the saffron brigade or the Muslim outfits. Pawan Sharma, a local resident, said, “Locals of Ayodhya are not much bothered about the political ramifications of this case because it has been dragged on for a vary long period and people virtually have no interest in it now.”
Faizabad SSP Subhash Singh Baghel said all the necessary arrangements had been made to ensure security in Ayodhya and that additional forces would be deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, various parties associated with the temple dispute are camping in Delhi as the top court is set to hear the case. They include Mahant Dhram Das of Nirvani Ani and Nirmohi Akhara’s Raja Ramachandracharya. Haji Mehboob Ali, who represents Muslims, too, is in Delhi. However, Iqbal Ansari could not reach the national capital allegedly because of financial crunch.
All the parties have unanimously said that they will abide by the court’s verdict and that in no circumstances they will allow communal harmony to be disturbed in Ayodhya. Mahant Dinendra Das said, “A solution acceptable to both the parties should be found.”
