The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly criticized the construction and inauguration of the ‘Ram Mandir’ on the historic site of the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, India. The OIC, a 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, expressed “grave worry” over the development, denouncing the actions as an attempt to obliterate the Islamic landmarks represented by the Babri Mosque.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and approximately seven thousand guests, marked the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram at the newly built temple. The site had been a source of religious and political contention since the Babri Masjid was destroyed by a Hindutva mob in 1992, triggering widespread religious riots that claimed 2,000 lives, mostly Muslims.
Pakistan swiftly condemned the event, describing it as a “symbol of growing majoritarianism and an affront to the Muslim community in India.” The country’s Foreign Office expressed concerns over the future of other mosques in India, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura, which also face threats of desecration and destruction.
In India, opposition parties criticized the grandeur of the event, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of turning it into a “state-sponsored assault” on peace initiatives. Congress’ Rahul Gandhi’s pan-India peace march in the BJP-ruled Assam state faced disruptions during the temple’s inauguration.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Hindus flocked to Ayodhya to pray at the new temple, believed to be the birthplace of the god-king Lord Ram. Hindu groups, the BJP, and its affiliates portrayed the opening as a milestone in a Hindu renaissance after centuries of perceived subjugation by Muslim invaders and colonial powers.
The OIC, aligning with its previous sessions’ positions, denounced the actions at Ayodhya, emphasizing the significance of the Babri Mosque that stood for five centuries at the exact location. The statement raised concerns about the “growing majoritarianism in India.”
Despite criticisms and concerns, the inauguration drew immense crowds of devotees, with over 50,000 lining up before dawn to enter the temple. The atmosphere inside the temple was described as emotional, with worshippers hugging temple walls and shedding tears, considering the idol as a representation of a 500-year-long struggle.
Local authorities, anticipating large crowds, urged people to stay away from the temple area and announced diversions on the route to ensure public safety during the historic event.
