OIC Expresses 'Grave Worry' As It Denounces Opening Of Ram Temple In Ayodhya

The OIC expressed deep concerns regarding the recent construction and inauguration of the "Ram Temple" on the site of the previously demolished Babri Mosque in Ayodhya.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Source : PTI Images

The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed "grave worry" on Tuesday regarding the recent construction and inauguration of the "Ram Temple" on the site of the previously demolished Babri Mosque in Ayodhya.

In a statement, the OIC General Secretariat said: "The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed grave worry over the recent construction and inauguration of the "Ram Temple" at the site of the previously demolished Babri [Masjid] Mosque located in the Indian city of Ayodhya."

"In line with the OIC position expressed by the Council of Foreign Ministers in its previous sessions, the General Secretariat denounces these actions aimed at obliterating the Islamic landmarks represented by the Babri Mosque, which has stood tall in the exact location for five centuries," the statement read further.

It is to be noted that the Supreme Court in 2019 delivered a landmark verdict facilitating the construction of the Ram Mandir. The court directed the Centre to allocate a five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque.

On Monday, Pakistan raised concerns about the Ram temple's inauguration, characterizing it as a manifestation of "majoritarianism" within India. The Foreign Office (FO) in Pakistan stated that the developments leading to the consecration ceremony indicated a growing trend of majoritarianism, contributing to the social, economic, and political marginalisation of Indian Muslims.

READ | 'Blot On Democracy': Pakistan Condemns Ram Mandir Opening, Urges India To 'Protect Religious Minorities'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the consecration ceremony, marking the beginning of a new era, as millions of viewers witnessed the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony on television ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

In addition to the Ram temple construction, the BJP's political agenda has encompassed significant moves such as the revocation of Article 370 and the implementation of a uniform civil code.

The inauguration ceremony featured army helicopters showering flower petals on the newly constructed Janmabhoomi temple, sparking celebrations across various parts of the Uttar Pradesh temple town.

Prime Minister Modi, after performing rituals in the sanctum sanctorum, addressed a gathering of around 8,000 individuals, including sadhus, Ram Janmabhoomi movement affiliates, and figures from entertainment, sports, and industry.

The Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, features intricate depictions of Hindu deities on its pillars and walls. The initiation of the consecration rituals took place on January 16 along the banks of the Saryu River.