The Archaeological Survey of India has resumed the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque on its third day, aiming to ascertain whether the 17th-century mosque was built over an existing structure. Meanwhile, concerns have arisen from the Muslim side, with a warning of a potential boycott of the entire process if there are any spreading of “rumors” suggesting discovery of Hindu religious symbols and artifacts.
According to government counsel Rajesh Mishra, the survey work began at 8:00 am on Sunday and is slated to continue until 5:00 pm.
Sudhir Tripathi, one of the advocates representing the Hindu side, shared that the survey work on Saturday involved the use of Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) along with various other techniques and machinery. He further noted that the Hindu side is content with the progress of the survey thus far.
Syed Mohammad Yasin, Joint Secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Committee responsible for the mosque’s management, stated that the Muslim side, along with its legal representatives, participated in the survey for a second day on Sunday. However, the Muslim side refrained from participating on Friday.
Yasin expressed concern that certain sections of the media propagated “rumors” on Saturday about the discovery of idols, ‘trishul’ (trident), and ‘kalash’ (urn) during the survey of the basement area (‘tahkhaanaa’). He emphasized that if such rumors persist, the Muslim side might reconsider its participation and potentially boycott the survey once again.
In the wake of the Allahabad High Court’s directive for the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, the Supreme Court refused to stay the order on Friday. The Muslim side regards this survey as an endeavor that could “reopen wounds of the past”. The Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, advised the ASI against conducting any intrusive activities during the survey.
