Ansari opens talks for out-of-court deal

Ansari opens talks for out-of-court deal
October 04, 2010 4:22:02 PM

VN Das | Ayodhya

In an apparent move to solve the Ayodhya tangle through dialogue, the main plaintiff in the vexed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue, Mohd Hasim Ansari, on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with All India Akhara Parishad president Mahant Gyan Das.

Ansari (90) drove down to Hanumangarhi and was closeted with the Mahant for over an hour. The two are believed to have discussed the possibility of solving the complex issue through dialogue and “with the consent of the two communities”.

What exactly transpired at the meeting could not be known, but Ansari said he had the backing of Sunni Central Waqf Board. “It is clear that the Akhara Parishad and the Sunni Central Waqf Board are willing to solve the issue through dialogue. We are trying to reach a consensus which would be acceptable to both the communities,” Ansari told The Pioneer.

Mahant Gyan Das said that since it had been proved that the Ram Janmabhoomi complex was the birthplace of lord Ram, the process for construction of a magnificent temple should start after reaching an understanding between the religious heads of the communities. Both Hindu and Muslim religious leaders feel that the high court’s order on this issue should not be challenged in the Supreme Court, he added.

Many organisations have announced that they would challenge the Lucknow Bench’s verdict in the Supreme Court.

Ansari said the Waqf Board was not interested in moving the apex court and wanted to settle the issue “here itself” because “it feels the issue would linger on for many more years if the Supreme Court was moved”.

He added, “The board has authorised me to contact the Hindu religious heads for formulating a peaceful settlement. We believe this move may usher in communal harmony in the country.” He also criticised Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for “politicising” the verdict for his own political gain. “Mulayam should not create hurdles in the final settlement of the issue. Let peace prevail in India,” he added.

Meanwhile, the twin cities of Faizabad and Ayodhya were abuzz on Sunday. The additional forces have been withdrawn and moved to Bihar ahead of the Assembly election there.

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