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Records show that since the mid-1930s,
Muslims stopped offering namaz at the Shri Rama Janmabhoomi site. At the
same time, Hindu worship at Ram Chabootar and Sita-ki-Rasoi, which existed
within the Babri structure compound, has been continuously going on from
the late 16th century. Since December 1949, Hindus started to offer pujas
to Ram Lalla (infant Shri Rama) within the structure. This worship at
the spot continues even to this day, with the full sanction of the judiciary.
In effect it became a functioning temple. What is now sought to be done
is to undertake a renovation programme (Jeernoddhar) to fully reflect
the glory of the maryada purushottam.
When the then Prime Minister, Shri V P
Singh, in July 1990, was attempting to have a negotiated solution, he
said to the leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh: "Arey Bhai, Masjid
hai hi kahan? Where is the mosque, my friends, when namaz is not being
performed? When for forty years idol worship is going on there, what kind
of a mosque is it? That is just the temple of our dear Ram."
As the home minister during the prime
ministership of Shri P V Narsimha Rao, Shri Shankarao Chavan visited the
Shri Rama Janmabhoomi site. He offered prayers to Ram Lalla and received
his blessings. After these ceremonies, he expressed his intention to see
the mosque built in honour of Babur. When he was told that he is already
standing in the structure he expressed complete surprise. |