RSS-linked magazine differs with Mohan Bhagwat over temple-mosque disputes
RSS-linked magazine differs with Mohan Bhagwat over temple-mosque disputes
M.U.H
26/12/202497
Days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed concern over the resurgence of several temple-mosque disputes in the country, an RSS-affiliated magazine took a different stance, saying knowing the real history of disputed sites and structures was important for "civilisational justice".
In its latest edition, the Organiser carried a cover story about the Sambhal mosque controversy in Uttar Pradesh. The editorial, which mentioned how a temple "existed" in place of the Shahi Jama Masjid, argued that understanding the "truth" regarding religious spaces that were historically invaded or demolished was crucial.
The development comes at a time when petitions have flooded courts seeking surveys of Muslim mosques and shrines in different parts of the country, ranging from Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid to Ajmer Dargah. The Supreme Court has ordered an interim halt on new temple-mosque suits.
The RSS editorial, however, does not mention Mohan Bhagwat's recent remarks on temple-mosque disputes. At an event in Pune, Bhagwat said some individuals, following the construction of the Ram Temple, were under the impression that they could become "leaders of Hindus" by raking up such disputes.
"A truthful understanding of history and itihasa is vital for achieving civilisational justice, promoting peace and harmony among all communities. The time is ripe to address this quest for civilisational justice. Babasaheb Ambedkar tackled the root of caste-based discrimination by providing constitutional remedies to eradicate it," the Organiser editorial said.
The magazine suggests that by acknowledging the historical truth and separating Indian Muslims from the acts of past iconoclasm and religious supremacy, there lies a potential path to peace and communal harmony.
"Denying such access to justice and the right to know the truth simply because some colonised elites and pseudo-intellectuals wish to continue with a flawed version of secularism would only fuel radicalism, separatism, and hostility," the article said.
