90-year-old Haji is force behind Babri Masjid fight

90-year-old Haji is force behind Babri Masjid fight Syed Faisal Ali | Arab News

Hashim Ansari   JEDDAH: One of the oldest Indian pilgrims to perform Haj this year is a 90-year-old man who has relentlessly fought for Babri Masjid. Hashim Ansari of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, will arrive here on Nov. 23, said Fahim Siddiqui, who along with others, has made arrangements for Ansari's Haj and stay in Jeddah. Ansari is the lone survivor in the Babri Masjid case, and is one of the main plaintiffs of the suit, pending since Dec. 22, 1949, when idols were "installed" inside the mosque, triggering a dispute between Hindus and Muslims. Ansari has witnessed every development in the controversy since 1949. He faced death threats from militant Hindu organizations which burned his house, and was brutally beaten up by the police and jailed for 19 months. "Despite torture and pressure from many sides, Ansari has remained firm in his resolve and has never given up. He is a determined fighter whose only dream is to once again pray in Babri Masjid," said Fahim Siddiqui. Expatriates from Uttar Pradesh will organize a function to honor Ansari for dedicating his life to fighting court cases regarding the dispute. "We are planning to accord him a warm welcome on Dec. 4 at La Sani Hotel, Jeddah," said Dilshad Ahmad, one of the organizers.