Muslim side threatens to boycott ASI survey

VARANASI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) continued the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi for a third consecutive day on Sunday, taking measurements of the three domes of the 17th-century mosque and carrying out 3D imaging of the south basement

- Sudhir Kumar

The development came even as the Muslim side warned it would boycott the survey process if "baseless claims" regarding recovery of remains of Hindu idols during the survey are made again.

"After the decision of the Supreme Court, we decided to cooperate in the ASI survey. We cooperated both on Saturday and Sunday and will continue to do so," SM Yasin, the joint secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, which manages the Gyanvapi mosque, said on Sunday. "But some people made baseless claims and circulated them on Saturday. It is highly objectionable. If baseless comments are made again, we will be forced to boycott the survey."

The Muslim side did not participate in the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, which abuts the Kashi Vishwanath temple, on Friday.