AIMPLB expels cleric for suggesting Babri Masjid be shifted
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board's (AIMPLB) has expelled from its board Moulana Salman Husaini Nadvi, who had earlier suggested the Babri Masjid could be shifted. However, Nadvi says the Board has behaved in a dictatorial manner. Nadvi, who had met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar earlier this week, had said he favored an amicable settlement to the Ayodhya dispute.
What is the Babri Masjid/Ram Janmabhoomi dispute about?
In December 1992, thousands of right-wing activists razed down the Babri Masjid, claiming that it was built on a temple. This temple had special significance as it was considered the birth-place of Lord Ram. Since then, the 16th century site has been disputed. After the Babri Masjid demolition, the country witnessed Hindu-Muslim riots that killed about 2,000 people.
The differing stands of the Sunni and Shia Qaqf Boards
Though the Shia Waqf Board had suggested a mosque be built at a small distance from the temple so that no Hindu-Muslim conflicts occur, the Sunni Waqf Board had protested the proposal, claiming to be the only Muslim party privy to the dispute.
What does Nadvi have to say about the dispute?
At AIMPLB's meeting, Nadvi batted for preventing Hindu-Muslim conflicts. "We've to conserve our mosque, (but) conserving doesn't mean we'll fight at the same place and take it." He suggested shifting it, adding "a university can also be set up." On February 8, he had attended a meeting with Ravi Shankar, who's attempting to mediate. Eminent members had reportedly expressed support for an out-of-court settlement.
Our stand is unanimous, Nadvi opposed it: AIMPLB
However, the AIMPLB claimed its old stand that "a mosque cannot be gifted, sold or shifted" is still unanimous. Apparently, many of the 500 participants at AIPMLB's meeting had supported removing Nadvi. Nadvi doesn't seem perturbed. "I myself said on Friday that I don't want to be part of such a board. I will continue my effort, will go to Ayodhya," he said.
Next hearing in the SC on March 14
The SC is currently hearing the Ayodhya dispute to determine the ownership of the disputed 2.77-acre land. In the last hearing, it asked concerned parties to file the English translation of their documents within two weeks. The next hearing is on March 14.
