The Ayodhya issue seems to be inching closer to an out-of-court solution despite contradictions within various groups in the two communities.
The three main parties in the title suits — the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, Hashim Ansari and the Nirmohi Akhara — met formally on Friday for the first time to discuss the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
The meeting, held at the residence of Mahant Gyan Das of the Hanuman Garhi temple, included Hashim Ansari and Mahant Panch Ram Das of the Nirmohi Akhara.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, the three claimed to have arrived at a formula that would be acceptable to Hindus as well as Muslims. However, the three leaders refused to divulge any details about the formula, saying it was too early to talk about it in public.
The three leaders, meanwhile, refused to comment on the stand taken by the Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Hindu Mahasabha, both of which are determined to challenge the Allahabad high court verdict in the Supreme Court.
“The formula has been made keeping in mind the sentiments of both communities as well as the court’s verdict. We would like the Hindus to participate in the construction of the mosque and the Muslims should also do the same for the temple. Such matters cannot be resolved in court and those who insist on going to the Supreme Court should understand this,” said Mahant Gyan Das after the 90-minute meeting.
Meanwhile, Hashim Ansari said his efforts for an out-of-court settlement would continue even if one of the parties went to the Supreme Court. He also said that no one would be allowed to play politics on the issue any longer.
Mahant Panch Ram Das of the Nirmohi Akhara echoed similar sentiments when he said he was hopeful of both communities accepting their formula.
Former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vendanti told reporters that the formula would help build bridges between the two communities and restore the harmony that had been disturbed after the demolition of the Babri mosque in 1992.