This Article is From Oct 01, 2010

Ayodhya the day after its dramatic verdict

Ayodhya: The morning after its crucial real estate dispute was decided in a 10,000 page verdict, Ayodhya goes about its business as usual.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that the disputed 2.7 acres  is the birthplace of Lord Ram, and that the land should be divided between Hindus and Muslims. LK Advani of the BJP said, hours after the verdict, "In so far as the judgement upholds the right of the Hindus to construct a temple, it is a significant step forward toward the construction of a grand temple of the birthplace of Lord Ram."

That and other remarks by leaders like Ravi Shankar Prasad suggest that Temple Politics are creeping their way up the BJP's agenda. Ayodhya, however, says it knows better now.

"They've always used it for political gains and will try to do it again.... but now the court has cleared the matter and divided the property among three brothers...then there is no sense in making people fight again," says Mahesh Tripathi, a shopkeeper.

On December 6, 1992, thousands of Kar Sevaks with BJP and RSS leaders demolished the Babri Masjid  here, triggering communal riots across the country. Before the verdict, Home Minister P Chidambaram appealed for calm and said, "Don't let the dispute derail India's story."

Many in Ayodhya want to escape the burden of its past.  

The Sunni Waqf board has already indicated it will appeal against yesterday's decision in the Supreme Court. The verdict rules status quo will be maintained for the next three months-a point the Prime Minister emphasized in his statement after the verdict.  

So for now, visitors and pilgrims still have to walk more than a kilometre to offer prayers at the makeshift temple of Lord Ram. Visitors and residents both say they are tired of the spotlight, the tight security.

All political parties have emphasized that the verdict should not be treated as a victory or loss.

Whatever happens next, says Mohammed Abid Khan, a tailor in Ayodhya, let  tolerance and dignity prevail. "Let's hope that our nation can have a sense of harmony and unity - so that if a mandir burns, then Muslims too feel the pain. And protecting the sanctity of a mosque, should be a priority for Hindus too."

He then turns back to his sewing machine.
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