Ayodhya verdict reminds to have faith in system: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation after the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the long-drawn Ayodhya land dispute case, which facilitated the construction of a Ram Mandir at the disputed site. Earlier in the day, the SC ruled in favor of the Hindu's claim of a Ram Mandir at the disputed Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi site. Here are more details.
The Prime Minister, who was in Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab for inaugurating the Karatarpur Corridor in the day, hailed the Supreme Court verdict. "The Supreme Court heard all parties patiently and it's a matter of great contentment that the judgment was unanimous," he said in his address. Modi added that with this important judgment, India has upheld its 'Unity in Diversity' motto.
Speaking on the Kartarpur Corridor, Modi reminded that November 9 was also the day when the Berlin Wall fell. He said that along with Kartarpur Corridor's inauguration and the SC verdict, we must take away the message of harmony from this date.
Modi went on to say that the Ayodhya dispute has taught us to have faith in the system, no matter how long justice might take. Acknowledging that the dispute impacted many generations, a forward-looking Modi said that we must set out minds to bring new light to future generations. "There is no place for fear, bitterness, and negativity in 'New India,'" he said.
Immediately reacting to the judgment on Saturday afternoon, Modi had hailed the apex court's verdict. He tweeted, "This verdict shouldn't be seen as a win or loss for anybody. Be it Ram Bhakti or Rahim Bhakti, it is imperative that we strengthen the spirit of Rashtra Bhakti. May peace and harmony prevail!" The verdict highlights that "any dispute can be amicably solved," he said.
Further, Modi added, "The calm and peace maintained by 130 crore Indians in the run-up to today's verdict manifests India's inherent commitment to peaceful coexistence. May this very spirit of unity and togetherness power the development trajectory of our nation. May every Indian be empowered."
A five-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, ruled that 2.77 acres of disputed land in Ayodhya must be handed over for the construction of Ram Mandir. The court added that the Sunni Waqf Board should be granted 5 acres of alternate land in the Uttar Pradesh town for the construction of a mosque.
