Manmohan Singh appeals for peace, harmony after Ayodhya Verdict

NEW DELHI - After the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court pronounced its verdict in the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday made an earnest appeal to all sections of people to maintain peace and calm and show respect for all religions and religious beliefs in the highest tradition of Indian culture.

“I would appeal to my countrymen to be vigilant and not let such people succeed in disrupting peace and harmony. You should be particularly careful with regard to rumours that disruptive elements could propagate to create ill will between communities. My appeal to all sections of the people is to maintain peace and tranquility and to show respect for all religions and religious beliefs in the highest traditions of Indian culture,” said Dr Manmohan Singh after a high-level meeting held at his residence here today to discuss the security situation in the country.

Further talking about the judgement in the Ram Janambhoomi -Babri Masjid title suit, Dr Manmohan Singh said: “As you know, the judgement in the Ram Janambhoomi -Babri Masjid title suits has been pronounced by the Special Bench of the High Court of Allahabad. This is the culmination of a long judicial process involving a sensitive matter on which different sections of the people have held different views.”

“The orders delivered by the three ‘Honourable Judges’ need to be examined carefully. The High Court itself has directed that the “Status Quo as prevailing till date shall be maintained for a period of three months.” Besides, the High Court has granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court,” he added.

Dr Manmohan Singh further said many jurists have pointed it out that complex issues were involved in the suits.

“By three separate orders, the ‘Honourable Judges’ have given their findings on each of these issues and, in the operative part, moulded the reliefs to the parties in a particular manner. The correct conclusion, at this stage, is that the status quo will be maintained until the cases are taken up by the Supreme Court,” said Dr Manmohan Singh.

“I have full faith in the people of India. I also have full confidence in the traditions of secularism, brotherhood and tolerance of our great country. I know that often it is only a few mischief-makers, who create divisions in our society,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the Government on its part remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace, order and harmony.

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Defence Minister A.K.Antony, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Union Law and Justice Minister M Veerappa Moily attended the meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence along with the other leaders.

Earlier today, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court ruled by majority that the disputed land in Ayodhya be divided into three parts.

The high court bench decided to divide the disputed 2.7 acres of land into three parts, with each of the three parties to the suit getting a part of it.

The ownership of the disputed land has been divided as follows: 1) Ram Lala, the birthplace of Lord Ram, given to Lord Ram (2) ita Rasoi and Ram Chabootra to Nirmohi Akhara and (3) The remaining part to be given to the Sunni Waqf Board.

Meanwhile, there will be a status quo in Ayodhya for three months during which a petition can be filed.

The Sunni Waqf Board has, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the judgement and decided to appeal in the Supreme Court against the Ayodhya verdict delivered today. (ANI)