On 6 December, 23rd anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition was observed. Protestors, holding placards, shouted slogans like ‘From Babri to Dadri, Where We Are, Save the Nation’, ‘Attack on One is Attack on All’, ‘Stop State Terrorism’ and ‘Punish Culprits of Babri Masjid Demolition’. Activists from various socio-religious and political organisations marched from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar in the National Capital to protest against the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, President All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, while addressing the protestors, said that so far Indian Judiciary has also failed to give punishment to the culprits of Babri Masjid demolition. “Today we have gathered here to demand for justice. The fight for justice is not restricted for today only but it will go on,” he added.
‘‘Demolition of Domes of Babri Masjid was not only the destruction of a mosque but also the destruction of three pillars of democracy of India. Secularism and diversity are the basic signs of Indian society. The dispute is irrelevant that the Babri Masjid was built after demolishing any temple because this is the core belief of Islam that no mosque can be built on any type of illegal land. The conflict is not only between the two communities, Hindus and Muslims, but also between secularism and communalism, democracy and fascism,’’ said Nusrat Ali, Vice President Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, while addressing the rally.
When the rally was on its way to Jantar Mantar, a group of about 30 Shiv Sena activists tried to disturb the rally but the police stopped them. Holding placards and shouting slogans, they demanded to establish the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya.
S. Raghvan, President Lok Raj Sangathan, remembered the judiciary for not taking action against the culprit.
N D Pancholi, General Secretary Citizens for Democracy, said that the Babri Masjid was demolished in daylight; but the culprits have not been punished till now. He also added that we remember December 6, every year to raise our voice in order to get the guilty punished.
The protest rally was organised jointly by Lok Raj Sangathan, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Sikh Forum, Communist Ghadar Party of India, Social Democratic Party of India, Welfare Party of India, United Muslim Front, CPI (ML)-New Proletarian, Naya Daur Party, Delhi Shramik Shangathan, National Christian League and United Sikh Mission, Students Islamic Organisation of India and APCR, etc.