Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
On the 19th anniversary of the destruction and demolition of Babri Masjid on 6th December 2011, members of the Indian Muslim Federation (UK) urged the government of India and particularly, the Supreme Court of India to take action and acknowledge the miscarriage of justice in the case of the Babri Masjid demolition and work towards a full and final resolution of the issue.
Mr Shamsuddin Agha, President of IMF (UK) said that "Justice delayed is justice denied. After 19 years since this crime against the nation was committed, it is unacceptable and reflects poorly on of India’s pluralist and secular character.
"The Supreme Court's stay on the October 2010 verdict of the Allahabad High Court is welcome, it is clear that the machinations of those involved in the demolition could result in further delay for the victims of one of the most egregious violations of religious freedom in our nation's history," added Mr. Agha.
IMF (UK) believes that it was Indian government’s inaction, coupled with fanatical mobs driven by the hate-filled discourse of the Sangh parivar that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992.
In order to repair the secular foundations of India and to heal the wounds to our national pride caused by the demolition and its murderous aftermath, IMF (UK) has demanded the following:
- Criminal prosecution of those responsible and held culpable by the Liberhan Commission for the Babri Masjid demolition;
- A resolution of the title to the disputed land, based on facts and not on favouring the religious beliefs of one community over those of another;
- A reaffirmation of the "The Place of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991", that prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on 15th August, 1947. Although this Act does not apply to the Babri Masjid, it would ensure that sectarian politics is not allowed leverage over other places of worship in order to advance a divisive agenda.
IMF(UK) has called upon people of all faiths to exercise restraint during the upcoming anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, and called upon the law enforcement agencies to provide adequate security to all citizens.
Dr Syed Aziz Pasha, OBE
The members and trustees of Indian Muslim Federation (UK) were saddened by loss of Dr Syed Aziz Pasha, IMF Trustee who passed away on 23 November 2011 after a long illness. Dr Pasha was from India and became a distinguished leader of the British Muslim community in Britain for last five decades. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raajioon - to God we belong and to Him we return. More
