India News: Gyanvapi Survey Continues on Day 3; Mosque Committee Warns of Boycott Amidst Alleged ‘Rumours’

– The Archaeological Survey of India has resumed the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque to determine if it was constructed over a pre-existing structure.– The Muslim side has threatened to boycott the survey if rumors are spread about the discovery of Hindu religious symbols and objects.– The survey work began at 8.00 am on Sunday and will continue until 5.00 pm.– The Hindu side is satisfied with the survey work so far.– The Muslim side and its advocates participated in the survey on Sunday for the second day, after not participating on Friday.– The Muslim side alleges that a section of the media spread rumors about the survey.

NewsIndiaGyanvapi survey resumes on day 3, mosque committee threatens boycott over ‘rumors’

The Archaeological Survey of India resumed the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque here on the third day on Sunday to determine if the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure, even as the Muslim side warned they would boycott the entire exercise if “rumors” are spread that Hindu religious symbols and objects have been found.

Government counsel Rajesh Mishra said that on Sunday the survey work began at around 8.00 am and will continue till 5.00 pm.

Sudhir Tripathi, one of the advocates representing the Hindu side, said on Saturday that Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and other techniques and machines were used for the survey work on Saturday.

The Hindu side is satisfied with the survey work so far, he said.

Syed Mohammad Yasin, the Joint Secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Committee, which manages the mosque, said on Sunday the Muslim side and its advocates participated in the survey on Sunday for the second day.

The Muslim side did not participate in the survey on Friday.

He alleged that a section of media on Saturday spread rumors that Hindu religious symbols and objects had been found during the survey, and warned that if such rumors continue to be spread, the Muslim side would boycott the entire exercise.

He said that the Muslim side has full faith in the judiciary and is cooperating in the survey work, but they will not tolerate any attempt to spread false information that can create communal tension.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Allahabad High Court order on the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, an exercise that the Muslim side says will “reopen wounds of the past”.

The court, however, said that the ASI survey should be carried out in the presence of two Muslim observers.

The court also directed the ASI to submit its report within eight weeks.

The dispute over the Gyanvapi mosque dates back to the 1990s when a petition was filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking removal of a mosque adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, claiming it was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple.

The Allahabad High Court in 2019 dismissed the petition.

The ASI’s survey is being carried out in compliance with the high court’s order, which had said that the survey should be conducted with the help of experts from both the Hindu and Muslim sides.

The Gyanvapi mosque is adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.

It is believed that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had ordered the demolition of the original Kashi Vishwanath temple and the construction of the Gyanvapi mosque on its ruins in the 17th century.

The ASI survey is expected to shed light on the historical and archaeological aspects of the disputed site.

Both the Hindu and Muslim sides have expressed confidence that the survey will prove their respective claims.

However, the Muslim side has raised concerns about the spread of rumors that could further divide communities and create tension.

They have made it clear that they will not tolerate any attempt to manipulate or misrepresent the findings of the survey.

The ASI’s survey is a crucial step in settling the long-standing dispute and providing a fair resolution to both sides. It is important for all parties involved to respect the process and refrain from spreading false information or engaging in any activities that could incite communal tension.

The Supreme Court’s directive to have Muslim observers present during the survey is a positive step towards ensuring transparency and fairness.

It is hoped that the survey will be conducted smoothly and the findings will be presented objectively, without any bias or manipulation.

The Gyanvapi mosque dispute is a sensitive issue that has the potential to ignite communal tensions.

Therefore, it is essential for all stakeholders to approach the matter with sensitivity and respect for each other’s religious sentiments.

The survey should be seen as an opportunity to uncover the truth and promote harmony, rather than a means to deepen divisions and fuel conflict.

It is the responsibility of all parties involved, including the media, to exercise caution and responsibility in reporting on the survey and to refrain from spreading rumors or false information that can further polarize communities.

The focus should be on fostering understanding and dialogue, and working towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and beliefs of all parties involved.