A Divisive Day in Ayodhya: Unveiling of Lord Ram Temple by PM Modi
On January 22, 2024, a historic event took place in Ayodhya, India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the unveiling ceremony of a large temple dedicated to Lord Ram, the Hindu god. The temple replaces a 16th-century mosque that was razed to the ground by Hindu mobs in 1992, a move that triggered nationwide riots and resulted in nearly 2,000 deaths. In attendance were thousands of invited guests, including top movie stars and cricketers. However, some Hindu prophets and most of the opposition boycotted the event, accusing Modi of using it as a politically motivated move to win support from Hindu voters in the upcoming general election.
Santosh Dubey, one of the individuals who were involved in demolishing the mosque in 1992, expressed pride in his actions, stating, “This temple would not have been possible without all that we have done,” he said. “Religious sentiments trump the constitution. I am very happy now. I had taken a vow that I would not repair my home until Lord Rama gets his temple.”
While many Hindus celebrate the unveiling as the fulfillment of a long-standing dream, the Muslim community in Ayodhya is filled with fear and pain, as the day evokes memories of the violence that followed the mosque’s demolition. Anwari Begum, who was widowed in the incident, shared a harrowing account of the violence that forced her to flee, leaving behind her home reduced to ashes.
Following years of litigation, the Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that the disputed site be handed over to Hindus, though the court also found the demolition of the mosque to be illegal. The ruling also ordered that Muslims be provided with a separate piece of land to build the mosque, 15 miles from Ayodhya, a move that has faced criticism from the Muslim community.
The unveiling of the temple has raised concerns about the potential for further hostilities in Ayodhya and other disputed sites in the country. Muslim community leader Muhammad Shahid expressed the hope that peace would prevail, but acknowledged ongoing tensions in other locations such as Mathura and Varanasi.
The construction of the temple and the Prime Minister’s attendance at the unveiling have sparked controversy, with many accusing Modi of violating the constitution by turning religious activities into state-sponsored events. Despite the celebrations surrounding the unveiling, there remains a palpable sense of tension and unease in Ayodhya, serving as a reminder of the deep divisions in the region.