New Delhi:
Ayodhya was not silent that day. There was extreme commotion in the air then. The slogans of Karsevaks were echoing in the city and could also be heard in the entire country. Many could feel and gauge the major happening also, it was feared what was to come- the impending demolition of the structure.
The history of temple-mosque dispute dates back to 1853 when the communal violence took place. The Ayodhya controversy is as old as the mosque. The then British government had erected fences segregating the place into two, this allowed Hindus to worship on the outer court of the Mosque, while still having the Muslims use the inner court.
In 1885 the matter was taken by Court. Mahant Raghubar Das filed an appeal in Faizabad Court for building a Ram Mandir. On December 23, 1949 some Hindus purportedly kept the idols of God Ram and began worshipping over there.
Later the Nehru government ordered the locks on disputed structure. On January 16, 1950 Gopal Singh Visharad filed an appeal seeking permission for worshipping Ramlala (Lord Rama) over there. He also demanded a judicial stay on removing the idols from there.
After this many cases were filed from both sides over this disputed structure. In 1984, Vishva Hindu Parishad started a campaign for unlocking doors and building the Ram temple.
On February 1, 1986 District Judge permitted the Hindus to resume the worship at the place. The then Rajiv Gandhi government opened doors after court’s decision. The door opening didn’t create much repel in Ayodhaya, it was only after VHP declared its formal support to BJP and strengthened the demand for building a Ram temple at the controversial site.
Three years after doors of temple were opened BJP officially started supporting VHP over the issue. It was an election year, which came under heavy political pressure due to Bofors case and VP Singh. In November, 1989 Rajiv Gandhi government gave permission to lay foundation of new structure near the disputed structure.
(By Amit Ojha)
