The deplorable incident at Delhi’s Chandni Chowk where a violent Muslim mob attacked and vandalised a Hindu temple has been gathering a lot of attention on social media. Several people have been demanding strict action by the authorities against the culprits.
Amidst all this, Mufti Mukarram, the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Fatehpuri Masjid has issued a video where he has called for peace.
In the 4 minute video, the Imam is seen referring to the incident of temple vandalisation and desecration as ‘Chhota sa waqia’ (small incidence). He then adds that he is concerned over the developments in the issue. The Imam clarifies that though he is concerned and condemns such incidents, some people are trying to spread rumours over a small matter.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6B7ZQC3Q7A]
The Imam also says that the facts regarding the incident, whether the temple was attacked, who attacked it and how much damage was caused will be clear only after a detailed inquiry. He states that a lot of politics is being done over it. He also stated that he appeals to the local Muslims and members of RWA to compensate for the losses. He added that though he supports action against the culprits, it will be better if RWA members and the local influential people to try and solve the issues by talks and amicable discussions between parties concerned.
The Imam even invoked the Rath Yatra by former BJP head LK Advani. The Imam claimed that when Advani’s Rath Yatra had passed near their mosque, there had been rampant attacks on the mosque and even the then Naib Imam was attacked with a Trishul. He claimed that despite such attacks, their community had maintained peace and never lodged an FIR. He claimed that the Muslims had solved the issues by peaceful talks and did not ‘take action’.
The Imam then stated that an incident should not be used for politics. Hindus and Muslims of the area should come together to bridge their differences.
