SC ruling on mosque evokes mixed reaction in Ayodhya

The Supreme Court's decision not to revisit its observations in an earlier judgement that mosque is not an integral part of Islam evoked a mixed reaction in Ayodhya with Hindu and Muslim religious leaders putting forth diametrically opposite views.

While the Hindu seers hailed the SC ruling and expressed hope that it would pave the way for early resolution of the vexed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid issue, Muslim clerics and leaders maintained that mosque is an integral part of Islam.

''We welcome the ruling... we are certain that now a verdict in the matter can be delivered in the near future... the ruling has cleared all obstacles in the way of speedy hearing of the case,'' said a senior Hindu seer Ram Vilas Vedanti.

Another senior Hindu seer, associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also echoed similar sentiments and said that the construction of the Ram Temple could start early next year.

''If namaz (prayer) is offered at a place, which used to be a mosque but was demolished, it will still be a mosque,'' said Iqbal Ansari, one of the main petitioners in the Title suits.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member and senior Sunni cleric Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangimahali said that everyone wanted an early resolution of the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid case though he also said that mosque is integral part of Islam.

''Mosques are meant primarily for offering namaz... we would have preferred the matter to be referred to a larger bench,'' Firangimahali said here.