Ahead of Ayodhya verdict, all religious outfits decide: Accept verdict, maintain harmony

"Avoid any kind of provocation and incitement"

[File] Right wing activists wave banners as they stand on the top of a stone wall and celebrate the destruction of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992 | AFP [File] Right wing activists wave banners as they stand on the top of a stone wall and celebrate the destruction of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992 | AFP

Several office bearers of top Muslim organisations, clerics and intellectuals from the community held a meeting over the Ayodhya case, and asserted that the Supreme Court verdict should be respected by all. The verdict is expected before November 18. 

In a closed-door meeting convened by Navaid Hamid, president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, the participants resolved to maintain peace and harmony at all cost after the verdict in the Ayodhya case.

Among those who were present included Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Arshad Madani, former National Commission for Minorities chairperson Wajahat Habibullah, former MP Shahid Siddiqui, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind president Sadatullah Hussaini and parliamentarians Dr Jawed and Imran Hasan.

In a resolution passed at the meeting, the participants resolved that the impact and consequences of the Supreme Court's decision in the Ram Janmabhoom-Babri Masjid title suit should be taken positively in the context of the overall progress and development of the country.

"We appeal to all countrymen to face the situation with patience and endurance and avoid any kind of provocation and incitement and also stick to peace and optimism whatever be the circumstances," the resolution said.

Earlier, the RSS had stated that it was everybody's responsibility to ensure that harmony is maintained in the country whatever be the judgment.

A conclave of RSS 'pracharaks' is being held between October 30 and November 5 in Haridwar.

"The Supreme Court decision on the issue of temple construction on the birthplace of Shri Ram is expected in the coming days. Whatever be the verdict, everyone should accept it wholeheartedly. It is everybody's responsibility to ensure that social harmony is maintained across the country. The meeting is also discussing the issue," the RSS publicity head Arun Kumar said.

The RSS statement came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recalled how the government, political parties and the civil society prevented attempts to create fissures when the 2010 Allahabad High Court ruling on the disputed land in Ayodhya was to be delivered.

He described it as an example of how a united voice can strengthen the country.