The dispute surrounding the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya has existed for a long time. Hindus wish to build Ram Temple on a site that formerly hosted Babri Masjid a fact that is important to Some Muslims. The Muslims especially the Sunni contingent are against the build hence the dispute.
The dispute solicited harsh reactions from a number of leaders. Shia Waqf Board Chairman, Waseem Rizvi recently blasted the disputing Muslims stating that the Muslims should pack up and go to Bangladesh or Pakistan. Senior Samajwadi Party leader, Azam Khan responded to Rizvi’s remarks on Saturday by telling Waseem to consider taking the disputing Muslims to wealthier nations such as Europe and the United States and not Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Union Minister Singh’s Views
Giriraj Singh, the Union Minister, during the inauguration of the 25th Rashtriya Kavi Sammelan held in Thane, expressed his hope on Sunday that the Sunnis like the Shias will extend their support for the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He gave hope that both the Hindus and Muslims will build the temple in Ayodhya.
Giriraj indicated that Shias gave support to the construction of Ram Temple, and for that matter, the Sunnis should also oblige and support the construction. He posed the question to the crowd asking them if the Temple is not built in India, where else will it be? Pakistan?
Despite the Ram Temple dispute, he also touched on the population rise in India claiming it strains development. The Union Minister also directed attention to a United Nations report on India’s population. The report warned that if the population crisis is not checked, 1 out of 10 Indians may not have access to potable water. The dilemma will discord social harmony.
Supreme Court Hearing of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid Dispute
Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case is centuries old dating back to the 15th century. Muslims lay claim to the site with evidence that the Babri Mosque originally dated back to 1528 and therefore are determined that Ram Temple could not be built there. Contrary to the claims, reports by the Archaeological Survey of India put a 10th-century temple at the site.
In November 2017, the Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board submitted a proposal to the Supreme Court with a possible solution to a settlement of the dispute. The Board stated in its proposal that the Ram Temple can be built in Ayodhya while Babri Mosque could be built in Lucknow. The Apex Court began its final hearing on the case on December 5, 2017, and continues to hear the case on Monday 5.
