Ayodhya: The excavation process at the acquired land in Ayodhya to find whether a
temple existed beneath the demolished structure began on March 12 morning amidst a
boycott by the main plaintiff in the title suit, even as other Muslim leaders raised
fears of manipulation.
The process began around 10:30 am (IST) with a general survey of the site and layout
of the trenches in the presence of contending parties or their nominees as per fresh
guidelines of the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court, which ordered the
excavation on March 5.
Zafariyab Geelani of Sunni Waqf Central Board, accompanied by two
archaeologists R K Takran and Mohammed Abid and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)
organising secretary Champat Rai, along with historians Ranjana Agnihotri
and Prasad were among those present during the survey carried out by
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team led by Dr B R Mani.
Earlier, Mohammed Hashim Ansari, main plaintiff in the title suit pending
before a court, announced his decision to boycott the exercise, terming it
as a "political drama".
"We have no faith in the ASI, which comes under the Human Resource
Development Ministry headed by Murli Manohar Joshi, a prime accused in the
demolition case. If the excavation has to be done, why are they keeping out
the makeshift temple? Tomorrow, there will be demand to excavate Jamma
Masjid and Qutab Minar," Anasari said.
Geelani expressed apprehension, alleging Joshi had replaced ASI director on
the eve of the excavation.
"We will watch the process. We will co-operate if it is done with honesty
and dedication," he said.
Members of other Muslim bodies tried to pacify Geelani, but he was
unrelenting.
Faizabad district administration sources said excavation was likely to begin
in the afternoon and about 52 labourers with photo identity cards have been
engaged for the purpose.
Representatives and counsels of other parties, including Mahant Ram Chandra
Paramhans Das of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, Ram Lalla and Umesh Pandey were
also present.
In a fresh order to ensure transparency in the exercise, the High Court had
on March 11 directed a fresh general survey in the presence of the
contesting parties, their counsels or nominees.
The High Court has also directed the district authorities, the ASI director
and ASI team leader not to brief the media on the progress in the excavation
work.
Tight security arrangements have been made around the excavation site.
An engineer of the public work department (PWD) has been engaged to help the
ASI team.
Unaffected by the excavation process, a steady stream of pilgrims went to
the Ram Janmabhoomi complex to have 'darshan' of Ram Lalla.
The situation in both the temple town and adjoining Faizabad remained
normal.
PTI
