Letter to The Organiser,11 January, 2000

May I refer to Shri Prafull Goradia's article "Temple and Muslim Magnanimity" in your issue of 16 January, 2000. The fate of historic places of worship cannot be decided on the basis of the observations of the erstwhile colonial rulers or the sentiments of the contemporary knights-errant of Hindu revisionism. It can only be demanded in accordance with law. The law is absolutely clear.

Firstly, the Shahi Idgah.Masjid was a functioning Masjid on 15 August, 1947 and has been so since then. So, it is protected by law. Mr. Goradia knows this and that is why he is making sentimental approach to Muslim magnanimity.

Secondly, the Masjid is also protected by the 1969 Agreement between the Masjid authorities and the Krishna Janamsthan Trust, under which the Muslims ceded to the Trust all the land next to the wall of the Idgah to its north west and south. Today, a beautiful Krishna Janamsthan Mandir stands to the immediate west of the Idgah. One thought that the chapter was closed. But it is being reopened by a new Trust and its ideological supporters. 

I would also like to ask Mr. Goradia how far back in history he is prepared to go and whether there is any point in reviving painful memories of the past or in inflicting more pain when we have no option but to live together.