Jamaat-e-Islami appeals for calm in the aftermath of Ayodhya verdict

A view of Ayodhya city.

The widely respected Jamaat-e-Islami Hind wants the Central government to maintain law and order after the Ayodhya verdict is announced by the Supreme Court. Expressing confidence that the apex court will rule in favour of the mosque, the vice president of the JIH, Muhammad Salim Engineer, put the onus on the government to ensure that the law and order situation remains under control. He asked the community members not to fall prey to provocation and emotional appeals to violence and arson, and asked all people to maintain law and order, irrespective of which way the verdict goes.

Addressing a press conference at the Jamaat headquarters, Muhammad Salim Engineer said, “Recently the Central Advisory Council of the Jamaat passed certain resolutions on the situation in the country. The Council has expressed concern over the situation post the Ayodhya verdict, the economy and the National Register of Citizens.”

On the issue of the Babri Masjid, he said, “We feel that the lawyers representing the Muslim side in the Babri Masjid dispute in the Supreme Court argued their case well. Based on the witnesses and evidence provided, we expect the apex court to rule in favour of the Babri Masjid…. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure law and order and the safety and security of its citizens and the supremacy of law after the Supreme Court delivers the final judgment. Similarly, it is also the responsibility of citizens to cooperate with the authorities and observe communal harmony.”

Reiterating that the Jamaat was for maintenance of peace irrespective of the judgment, he appealed to sane elements in both communities to make sure that the youngsters do not react in an emotional manner.

He, however, expressed concern over the proposed NRC for the entire country. “The Jamaat is concerned over the exclusion of nearly 19 lakh people from the final list of the NRC in Assam. We also express concern over the Home Minister’s statement that the government will implement the NRC all over the country.”