Ayodhya: Sunni Waqf Board welcomes verdict, says won't challenge it
After the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on the long-drawn Ayodhya land dispute case on Saturday, the Sunni Waqf Board has said that it would not challenge the ruling. The apex court had ruled in favor of the Hindus, directing that 2.77 acres of disputed land in Ayodhya be handed over for the construction of Ram Mandir. Here are more details.
Sunni Waqf Board humbly accepts SC ruling: Board Chairman
In a written statement, the Chairman of UP Sunni Waqf Board Zufar Faruqi clarified that he "welcomes and humbly accepts" the SC verdict in the Ayodhya case. He stated, "I, as the chairman of the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board, want to make it clear that the Board will not go in any review of the Supreme Court's order or file any curative petition."
However, Sunni Waqf Board's lawyer had earlier called ruling 'unjust'
Incidentally, earlier in the day, advocate Zafaryab Jilani, the legal counsel of the Sunni Waqf Board in the Ayodhya case, had said that ruling was "unjust." Jilani had said the body would hold a meeting to decide the future course of action. "We think it is unjust... We can't consider this justice. We are not criticizing all parts of the judgment," he had said.
According to him, giving away entire land is not justified
Jilani had expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that SC decided to give away the entire plot to the opposite side. He said, "Giving all land to the other side is unjustified. We respect the top court, we have a right to disagree with the verdict." The lawyer reminded that in the past, SC has reversed its verdicts, so the door for review is open.
Another top member of Muslim board agreed with Jilani
Jilani found support in Kamal Farooqui of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). He said he was upset that SC gave more importance to faith over facts, in the matter. Chiding with SC for giving five acres of land to Muslims, Farooqui said, "Even if you will give us 100 acres of land then also that will be of no use."
In return for 67 acres, we got 5 acres: Farooqui
"Our 67 acres of land has already been acquired so what are they giving us in a donation? They have taken 67 acres of land and in return giving us 5 acres. What kind of justice is this," he asked.
Meanwhile, others welcomed the verdict, said matter should end
However, there were others on the Muslim side who didn't express discontent. Ajmer Sharif Dargah's Dewan, Syed Zainul Abedin, said this isn't anyone's victory or defeat. "Whatever has happened, is in the interest of the nation and we should put an end to the dispute right here," he said. And Shia Cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad said that he respected the judgment.
Most Muslims have accepted the verdict: Jawad
Interestingly, NCM chief berated Jilani for his comments
As Jilani's words took over headlines on a sensitive day, National Commission for Minorities chairperson Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi said that Muslims should not "fall for his trap". "This matter is now over. I condemn Zafaryab Jilani's statement. They (Muslims) are happy and want to move forward in the spirit of brotherhood," he told PTI and added there couldn't have been a better judgment.
