Disputes over Religious Sites and Communal Tensions: The Importance of Justice and Accountability

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 30 November 2024 Beyond Compromise: Ensuring Justice To End Communal Unrest And Religious Strife The Article Argues That Peace Cannot Be Achieved Through Mere Reconciliation Or Compromises Alone; It Requires The Impartial Application Of Justice And Accountability. Without Genuine Justice And Impartial Law Enforcement, Sectarian Divisions And Communal Unrest Will Persist ------ Representative Image from Files ----- Recently, during a survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, ordered by a court, unrest erupted, further highlighting the ongoing tensions regarding religious sites and communal harmony. The dispute, linked to the claim of an ancient Hindu temple beneath the mosque, led to deadly clashes and local unrest. Despite the demolition of the Babri Mosque and efforts at reconciliation, such incidents prove that attempts to inflame communal disputes are still ongoing. This serves as a clear reminder that peace cannot be achieved through reconciliation alone, but requires justice, accountability, and the equal application of law. The Babri Mosque issue has long been a source of tension and conflict in India. Following its demolition, the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple intensified the complexity and division in communal relations. For decades, there was debate over whether Muslims should have compromised and allowed the temple to be built, with some believing it would bring peace. However, the demolition and temple construction have shown that the challenges faced by the Muslim community remain unresolved, and attacks, communal violence, and tensions continue. In fact, attacks on religious sites, particularly mosques, and the resulting communal unrest are not limited to the Babri Mosque issue. Despite this significant compromise, the situation has worsened in many respects, and other incidents are occurring across the country. This important point highlights that compromises and negotiations are sometimes used by individuals or groups with vested interests to further deepen communal divisions, exploit religious sentiments, and create a persistent environment of conflict, rather than aiming for genuine peace. When law enforcement is not impartial, or when justice is manipulated, it gives rise to disruptive elements, fostering violence, deceit, and unrest. These forces are emboldened, leading to societal instability and weakening trust in the judicial system. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, which prohibits changing the religious character of any religious shrine from what it was on the day of India's independence, is being increasingly violated. This law specifically exempted only the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute from its purview, making it clear that exceptions to this provision are a rare occurrence. The effort to alter the status of other places of worship or challenge their historical character undermines not only this important Act but also exacerbates religious tensions. When such legal provisions are ignored or bypassed, it erodes the trust in the system's ability to protect religious harmony and further fuels sectarian violence. The lack of accountability emboldens destructive forces, allowing them to escalate their harmful actions, as they believe no real consequences will follow. This weakens trust in the judiciary and fosters a new cycle of hostility, suspicion, and unrest during periods of communal tension and violence. Without justice and fair law enforcement, these forces thrive, further eroding societal stability. "Negative elements do not stop until the rule of law and the implementation of justice are established." It is a harsh truth that peace cannot be achieved by merely pleasing certain groups or ignoring the issues that fuel sectarian divisions. The path to peace lies not in compromises, but in a system where justice is impartial, the law is equally applied to all, and the rights and dignity of every citizen are protected. Only when accountability is genuine and the law is respected, will peace prevail in society, and true reconciliation will then become possible. It is important to understand that in the current situation, where sectarian tensions are at their peak and certain groups are sowing the seeds of division, they cannot be resolved through further compromises or discriminatory measures that promote inequality. The long-standing conflict is not just due to historical doubts, but also because of the failure or lack of interest in addressing the underlying causes. Until these injustices are truthfully acknowledged and a firm commitment is made to rectify them, peace will remain a distant dream. Furthermore, the notion that appeasing or cooperating with one party will bring lasting peace is a misconception that has repeatedly been proven wrong. History teaches us that such compromises only lead to further demands and increased divisions. To break this cycle, it is essential that those responsible for upholding the law enforce it equally and effectively, regardless of the religion or background of the individuals involved. It is crucial to create an environment where every citizen feels secure in their rights, and any attempt to harm sectarian harmony or promote violence is met with immediate legal action. Moreover, true peace and harmony can only be established on the foundation of justice, equality, and the protection of the rights of all citizens. Without these fundamental principles, any attempt at reconciliation will be weak and unstable. Only through a genuine commitment to justice, the rule of law, and mutual respect can sectarian divisions be eliminated. Peace cannot be built on one-sided compromises, and efforts to appease those elements that fuel division will only lead to further difficulties. Ultimately, the way forward is not through endless compromises but by building a just society where the rule of law prevails and all communities are treated equally. The ongoing claims that mosques were built by demolishing temples are baseless and serve as a malicious attempt to incite communal unrest. These claims also violate the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, which safeguards the religious character of places of worship as they stood on the day of India's independence. Such statements undermine religious harmony and fuel division within the country. To achieve lasting peace, unity, and progress, it is crucial to prioritize justice, accountability, and the protection of individual rights, rather than perpetuating communal divisions. This is the only path to effectively curb sectarian tension and oppression. --- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalisation strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/disputes-religious-communal-tensions-justice-accountability/d/133876 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism