Shahi Imam threat to seek Arab sanctions

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, DEC. 22. The Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Maulana Syed Ahmad Bukhari, today threatened to approach the Arab world seeking imposition of economic sanctions against India if any attempt is made to construct the proposed Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The Shahi Imam also demanded an independent inquiry by an international human rights agency into alleged atrocities committed by the security forces in the Kashmir Valley over the past one decade.

Delivering his sermon on the last Friday of the holy Ramzan month at Jama Masjid here this afternoon, the Shahi Imam said: ``If the Government allows construction of the Mandir at Ayodhya, we will recommend to the entire Arab world, through the Organisation of Islamic Countries, to impose economic sanctions against it and cancel all their economic ties with India.''

``Construction of the temple at the site of Babri Masjid would prove to be the last nail in the coffin of communal harmony and the unity of the country. Indian Muslims would oppose this tooth and nail,'' he said.

On the Kashmir issue, Syed Ahmad Bukhari demanded unconditional talks with all the parties concerned including Pakistan.

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Section  : National
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