UP Shia Waqf Board: Against Ram temple? Go to Pakistan
With the SC scheduled to hear the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute from February 8, the issue has again started getting mileage with explosive statements and claims. The UP Shia Waqf Board chairman Waseem Rizvi has taken the lead. He suggested that those Muslims who are against the Ram temple should go to Pakistan or Bangladesh and join ISIS. Here's more on what he said.
What is the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute?
In December, 1992, several right-wing activists razed down the Babri Masjid, claiming it was built on a temple which is Lord Ram's birth-place. After the demolition, the country witnessed Hindu-Muslim riots, killing about 2,000 people. In 2010, Allahabad HC ordered the site's three-way split among Hindus, Muslims and Nirmohi Akhara. Stakeholders rejected this and appealed to SC. In March'17, SC suggested an out-of-court settlement.
Now, what does Rizvi have to say?
Rizvi offered prayers at Ayodhya's disputed site and met Ram Janmabhoomi's chief priest Acharya Das. He said, "Those who are secular have never been against the temple. There is no place for fundamentalist Muslims in India." Further, he said "Ayodhya is a Hindus' sacred place, so Masjid shouldn't be built here. Those who want a Masjid there should join ISIS chief Abu Baghdadi's forces."
Shia clerics demanded his arrest for communalizing the issue
Reacting to Rizvi's dodgy remarks, other Shia clerics demanded his arrest for communalizing the issue. Shia Ulema Council's president Maulana Inquilabi alleged that "Rizvi is a criminal involved in grabbing and illegal selling of Waqf properties." He added that his claims are a bid to escape criminal charges. Further, he said Rizvi was patronized by SP and now wants to be spared by BJP.
Meanwhile, Rizvi is known for making such controversial statements
Earlier, Rizvi stirred up the hornet's nest by writing to PM Modi and urging him to shut down madrassas as they breed "terrorists." He suggested that the Ram temple be built at Ayodhya and a mosque in Lucknow, away from Hindus' religious territory. Such statements have had a unique effect. They unite disparate Muslim groups, Shia and Sunni, against his "anti-Muslim" statements.
