The birth city of Ram, Ayodhya, has turned into a fortress with just 4 days to go for the Supreme Court Bench hearing on the deferment plea.Paramilitary forces have been deployed in Ayodhya and all major cities to control the situation created by the verdict. The outcome of the hearing will decide the fate of the land which has been the subject of debate for more than half a century now.
The Hindus believe that the land is the birth place of Lord Rama and a temple dedicated to his glory stood there before Babur ordered the sanctum sanctorum to be demolished and a Mosque(Masjid) be built over the rubble.Thus it got its name 'Babri' or the one constructed by the grace of Babur. The 500 year old Mosque witnessed events that changed the course of Indian history over the years. It oversaw the rise and fall of the Mughal and British Empire followed by the World Wars and later the challenges Independent India faced.
The seeds of conflict were sowed in 1946 when the Hindus claimed the site and a full scale debate erupted when in 1949, idols of Ram, Sita and Laksham were installed in the Masjid while the security personnel were asleep. The ensuing fight between the Hindus and the Muslims culminated when lakhs of Karsevaks assembled near the Masjid and Demolished it. In 2003, a survey conducted by the ASI revealed that it had found the ruins of a 14th Century temple where the Masjid once stood.
The place is extremely sacred to the Hindus since it is the birthplace of Lord Ram and it known as the Ram Janmabhoomi. The sentimental value attached to it and the cultural connection induces a feeling of pride in Indians and the zeal of acquiring the land comes from within. I feel that Muslims do not have any religious value attached to the land except for the fact that a mosque once stood their. The founder of their religion or one of the most revered god in their religion was not born on that piece of earth and thus they should 'sacrifice' that land to set an example for the majority to learn and become the epitome of love, harmony and peace in India. I also feel that apart from constructing a grand temple at the Ram Janmbhoomi, a mosque should be constructed in the adjoining area by the Hindus keeping a part of the temple funds to honour what the Muslims have done for them.
Such an example of togetherness and adjustment would increase the trust among Hindus and Muslims and reduce the threat of a future conflict or riots In India. If such a solution can be found, it will instill a sense of victory among both the factions and help the Hindu Majority comprehend that their interests are safe in India.
I hope that what could not be accomplished in the last 18 years is achieved in the coming days and a peaceful solution is either negotiated or a verdict is given which is acceptable to both.
