Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 20 (IANS) Congress president Sonia Gandhi has said that the Ayodhya court verdict in no way condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

In a letter to Congresspersons in the September issue of party mouthpiece Sandesh, Gandhi reiterated that the 1992 razing of the 16th century mosque in Ayodhya can never be condoned.

“It is important to underline that the verdict in no way condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid, which was a shameful and criminal act, for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice,” Gandhi said.

“Any distortion of the verdict by communal forces is detrimental to the larger national interest and will cause harm to the nation’s mood and desire for peace and harmony,” she said.

The Congress president hailed the people for receiving the Allahabad High Court ruling on Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit peacefully and in a mature manner.

She said her party respects the judicial process.

“However, we must now await the final decision of the Supreme Court, as and when the appeal is filed. In the meantime, the Congress welcomes efforts by the parties concerned (in) the litigation to find an amicable and peaceful settlement,” she said.

After years of legal battle, the Allahabad high court ruled that the disputed land should be divided between three litigants including a Muslim group.