Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as Babri-dispute mediator: Will he succeed?
'Art of Living' founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will meet stakeholders of the Babri Masjid/Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya as a mediator. He has clarified that he doesn't have any agenda for the same. Earlier, he had met UP CM Yogi Adityanath regarding this issue. However, not all stakeholders are happy about Sri being a mediator. Read on to know more.
What is the Babri Masjid/Ram Janmabhoomi dispute?
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.
What was the Allahabad HC's 2010 judgment?
In 2010, Allahabad HC ruled that the disputed land in Ayodhya was Lord Ram's birthplace; additionally, Babri Masjid was built after destroying the temple but was not built according to Islamic tenets. It ordered a three-way split of the site among Hindus, Muslims and Nirmohi Akhara. However, all stakeholders rejected this; they appealed in the SC. In March'17, SC suggested an out-of-court settlement.
What are Sri's proposals to resolve the dispute?
Sri earlier attempted to resolve the dispute in 2003 but had failed. After SC suggested an out-of-court settlement, he took up the mantle. Interestingly, Sri's three proposals to resolve the dispute revolve around gifting the disputed site to Hindus. In return, Hindu saints should help build a mosque in Faizabad. However, except Yogi and Shia Waqf Board, stakeholders are not receptive of Sri's mediator-ship.
What is Yogi's stand on this issue?
Building the Ram temple is a crucial election promise of Yogi's BJP-led government. However, Yogi has said the state government is not a party to the dispute and will honor the court's decision. About Sri's involvement, Yogi said, "The problem is that both sides should mutually agree to hold talks. It can give good results but intentions should be good."
What are the other reactions to Sri's mediator-ship?
All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and All-India Babri Masjid Action Committee (AIBMAC) have sided with Sunni Waqf Board saying that Muslims will not surrender their legal right to the land. Congress had earlier dubbed Sri "a government agent." VHP was also doubtful about the success probability of Sri's efforts. Former BJP MP, Ram Vilas Vedanti raised the question: Who is Sri to mediate?
Will Sri be successful?
Though Sri is confident, his visit was marred by accusations. Nirmohi Akhara alleged that Sri was offering Sunni Waqf Board about Rs. 1-20cr to relinquish their claim. Further, others like VHP and AIMPLB said the matter can't be resolved by discussion and everybody should await the court's order. SC will hear the case on December 5, a day before Babri Masjid demolition's 25th anniversary.
