Ayodhya verdict: PM appeals for communal peace

NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has made a passionate appeal for peace and harmony following the “outcome of a long judicial process” on the Ayodhya land dispute.

In his appeal, put out as a half-page newspaper advertisement Wednesday, Manmohan Singh urged the people to treat the expected court judgment on the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute with “utmost respect”.

The appeal comes after the Supreme Court Tuesday paved the way for the Ayodhya verdict to be delivered by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Thursday.

“We must remember the fact that the judgment, at this stage, is one step in the judicial process. The determination of the issues need not necessarily end with this judgment, unless it is accepted by all parties,” the prime minister said.

Manmohan Singh said if any of the parties to the dispute feels that further judicial consideration is required, “there are legal remedies available, which could be resorted to”.

“Keeping this is mind,” the appeal said, “it is necessary for all sections of the people of India to maintain equanimity and tranquility in the aftermath of the judgment.”

“There should be no attempt whatsoever made by any section of the people to provoke any other section or to indulge in any expression of emotion that would hurt the feelings of other people,” it added.

Invoking India’s secular culture, the prime minister said it was “important for all to ensure that the highest traditions of Indian culture and respect for all religions are fully maintained.”

“India is firmly and resolutely on the path of inclusive growth. This is recognized all over the world. Nothing must be said or done and nothing must happen that may cause us to deviate from our goals and our objectives,” he said.