Denied prayer nod, now Babri panel wants namaz items at disputed site

The step, BMAC claims, has been taken to ensure that the claim of Muslims on the site remains valid.

Babri Masjid Action Committee wants to ensure that the claim of Muslims on the site remains valid. (Source: Express archive)

In response to Ram Prakat Utsav celebrated by Hindus, where they offer a kalash to Lord Rama, the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) has decided to approach the Receiver of Ram Janmbhoomi to allow them to keep their sacred items like chatai and tasbeeh — used for offering namaz — at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The step, BMAC claims, has been taken to ensure that the claim of Muslims on the site remains valid. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), however, is yet to take a decision on this. “We have a sub-committee in AIMPLB for the Babri Masjid issue. Several members, who are with BMAC, are also its members. We will consider the legality of the proposal when it is placed before us,” said Zafaryab Jilani, AIMPLB executive committee member.

BMAC vice-president Mushtaq Ahmed submitted the proposal on Thursday. Both Jilani and Ahmed are members of AIMPLB sub-committee on Babri issue. An independent body, BMAC is headed by Salahuddin Owaisi. The chairman’s post is lying vacant after his death with Ahmed managing the affairs.

Story continues below this ad

Hindus observe Ram Prakat Utsav on December 22 — idols of Lord Rama were installed at the Babri Masjid on the intervening night of December 22-23, 1949 by some sadhus in Ayodhya.

They take out a ‘Kalash Yatra’ with a demand to establish it at Garbhagriha. However, the administration does not allow the procession and the kalash is kept at Fakire Temple near Rangmahal in Ayodhya.

“Similar to the kalash yatra, we also want our sacred things be kept at the same place. It is our right and we will soon approach the Receiver for permission,” said Ahmed. He added that Faizabad divisional commissioner, the Receiver, will be approached along with local Muslims in Ayodhya and Faizabad.

“The court has never stopped us from offering namaz. If we do not do this, it will amount to voluntarily relinquishing the claim on the site,” Ahmed said.

Story continues below this ad

He had recently claimed that Muslims should also be allowed to offer namaz at the disputed site. Ahmed had reached Ayodhya on December 6 to observe Yaum-e-Gham (Sad Day) to mark the demolition of Babri mosque.

His earlier claim of offering namaz had not received immediate support. Jilani had stated that the AIMPLB committee will first legally monitor the suggestion. “There may be differences in our legal fight. But the intention of the Board and mine are the same. We are chalking out a plan,” Ahmed said.

He suggested that the Receiver should fix time for both Hindus and Muslims to pray or provide separate passage for Muslims. “We are ready with our proposal. After all, the court in September 2010 had also given us one-third of the land,” Ahmed added.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram