VHP invites Muslims to talk Ayodhya

‘‘We have already talked with VHP chief Vishnu Hari Dalmia and the chairman of its high-powered committee Mahant Awaidyanath. They have given a go ahead for discussing our proposal during the meeting of the steering committee at Karsewakpuram on December 26,’’ said Syed Asgar Abbas Rizvi, managing trustee of the Ayodhya Jama Masjid Trust. The trust took shape in August this year for giving ‘‘a lasting solution to the Ayodhya imbroglio’’.

‘‘Our proposal is that both Muslim and Hindu litigants in the title suit pending before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court withdraw their claim and go for a mutual agreement. And the mosque be built outside the acquired Ramkot area at the dispute site. The temple exists at the disputed site and none can dare to build a mosque there,’’ Rizvi said.

While the Hindu bodies have not raised an objection on the Trust’s initiative, certain individuals and Muslim organisations have put a question mark on Rizvi’s credentials. ‘‘He is being masqueraded by Union Minister Chinmayanand and naturally the doors of Karsewakpuram will be open for any individual who is operating on behalf of the RSS and BJP — to give the impression that talks were on to find a solution to the issue,’’ said Zafaryab Jilani, board-member and counsel for the Sunni Central Board of Waqfs.

Rizvi claimed that three out of the five litigants were ready for an out of court settlement. The main Hindu body, Nirmohi Akhada, too had given its consent for the same, he said. ‘‘The issue is hanging fire because some Muslim leaders are not ready for a solution,” Rizvi alleged. The Trust has already written to the chairman of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.