India Muslim body refuses to surrender claim on disputed land in Ayodhya
Mediation talks have failed and the matter is sub judice, spokesperson says
New Delhi: All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Friday rejected the suggestion made by some Muslim intellectuals asking the Muslim side in Ayodhya case to surrender its claim on the 2.77 acres disputed land in Ayodhya in order to enable construction of a Hindu temple.
AIMPLB spokesperson Zafaryab Jilani said there was no possibility of surrendering claim on the disputed land.
“AIMPLB remains unfazed by any such demands. Those giving suggestions of surrender of claim have no locus standi in the case,” Jilani told media.
He said mediation talks to break the deadlock had already failed and the matter was sub judice.
“We are confident about are arguments before the honourable Supreme Court and look forward to the much awaited verdict from the top court,” he stated.
Some eminent Muslim citizens, including former Vice Chancellor (VC) of Aligarh Muslim University Zamiruddin Shah and former Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anees Ansari, had requested AIMPLB to consider surrendering the claim on the disputed land.
“Even if Muslim side wins the case and Sunni Waqf Board gets the tittle of the land, will it be possible to build a mosque at the place where a makeshift temple is already in existence? Even if Hindu side wins the case, there are certain elements in Indian society who will use it to serve their political interests, thereby leading to escalation of communal tensions,” Shah had said on Thursday while addressing an event.
He said the Muslims should hand over the disputed land to Hindus as a “goodwill gesture” in order to ensure communal harmony.
“It is my fervent wish that Muslims must hand over the disputed land to Hindus for construction of Ram temple as a goodwill gesture. This will ensure communal harmony and peace in the country,” Shah said.
He said he wanted the top court to give a verdict in favour of the majority community to end the dispute.
“Hindus have been worshipping at the site for a long time. Even if the court rules in favour of Muslims, they will not be able to construct a mosque there,” Shah stated.